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66 






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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, by the CHICAGO 8c NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY CO., in the 

Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



Printers, Engravers and Electrotypers, 

Chicago. 



PAGE. 

Chapter I. Senator Hanna. Mike. The Senator’s Health. A Telegram. The “ Davy Crocket.” 

Strange Meeting of Old Friends. All Aboard. Our First Dinner. Milwaukee. 
Schlitz’s Garden 9 


Chapter II. “The Hand.” Waukesha. The Duke of Connaught 28 

Chapter III. The Party. The Flirtation. Senator Blank. Madge gets Chummy. Mike’s Shad. 

“ Oh, Little Hand so Fair and White.” The Brule. A Night on Chicagoan Lake. 
Indian Edward. The Camp on the Brule. Venison on a Stick. The Boat Upsets. 

My Mermaid. He Carries Madge. “The White Breasted Sparrow.” The Sen- 
ator’s Fire-Works. The Duet. “ Ole Maginnis.” 46 

Chapter IV. Marquette. Presque Isle. A Distinguished Visitor. Pictured Rocks. L’Anse. Con- 
flicting Sentiments. A Dangerous Rival. Mr. Dennis’ Story. Hancock. The 
Copper Mines. A Strange Commission. “ Blackwater.” 75 


Chapter V. “The City of Fremont.” The Raft. A “Tiff.” The Chequamegon Party. Pike 

Lake. Brule. The Dennises Leave. The Game of Whist. “ I Thought I had a 
Club.” A Change of Temperature. A Proposal. A Smoke. St. Paul. The Sen- 
ator’s. Minneapolis. The Evening Party. In The Summer House. Another 
Proposal. “ The Little Blind God ” The Dream. A Sudden Denouement. “She 
was yours when the boat landed” 97 

Chapter VI. Final Arrangements. The Senator Takes Charge. Swan Lake. The Lace Dress. A 

List of Guests. Heron Lake. Mike and Sam go Hunting. Johnson’s Dog. Sioux 
City. On the Way West. Fort Niobrara. On the Keha Paha. “A Battle with a 
Buffalo.” Antelope. The Black Hills. The Dennises. Fort Fetterman. Mr. B. 
and his Young Wife. At the Fort. Return. Omaha. Hazlewood. Beloit. The 
Car from Chicago. The Dennises Again and Friends from the East. Wedding 
Bells. The Hesitating Preacher. “ A Runaway Match.” The License. Presents. 

The Last Visit. Saffron Tea Ill 




Waukesha, Wisconsin 

In the Garden 

Waukesha Springs 

She Pulled her Mittened Hand from her Muff and Held it Up 

Green Lake, Wisconsin — View from Oakwood 

Madge and Young Mr. Carlisle 

Gray Rocks, Green Lake, Wisconsin 

The Camp 

Brule River, South Shore of Lake Superior 

The Senator Seized his Rifle — but too late 

Capitol at Madison, Wisconsin 

The Rescue 

On Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis Line, near Merrimac, Wisconsin 

“Well, Pap ; you made a Pretty Good Shot.” 

Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin 

I Plunged along the Shore in the Gathering Twilight 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 

Madge and Dennis — “ ' Sometime,’ you said ” 

Lake Geneva — The Bay, from Broad Street 

He Carried Her into the Parlor and Laid Her on the Lounge 

Fort Snelling, Minnesota . . .. 

“ Well, yo Hit Him dat Time, Mike ” 

On the St. Croix 

The Ceremony was Soon Over 


PAGE 

12 

16 

21 

24 

30 

34 

39 

42 

48 

54 

60 

64 

69 

72 

77 

82 

87 

92 

98 

102 

109 

116 

122 

128 




HAT is this?” I asked of our artist, as he submitted a sketch. ‘‘The 
YY book is about the ‘The Little Blind God on Rails,’ not ‘The Little 
Blind God Ridden on a Rail.’ ” 

“ It won’t hurt him,” he drily answered; “and it’s the best way to put it.” 

I replied: “I am not talking about the little blind gods of the novels,, 
They are generally about as much like the little fellow as a rose made out of 
red paper is like a rose on the bush with a drop of dew at its heart. And 
that little fellow does have a hard time of it. They sit down on him, jam 
him, try to pull his wings out, break his arrows, and kill him — why not ride 
him on a rail ? He turns up smiling and fresh as a daisy every time.” 

“You talk a good sketch of him ! ” said the artist. 

“Yes,” I said. “And, further, love does catch grief nearly always, and 
yet nearly always comes out ahead. Who does not remember — if it be past — 
the first fiutter of his wings in the heart, the awakening to a new, dreamy, and 
delicious elevation of mind, the ruder awakening of jealousy or disappoint- 
ment, the attempts to get him out of the heart and tramp him beneath the feet ? 
One would say that the meanest way to treat the Little Blind God would be to 
ride him on a rail. And yet girls will do it when they dare to — make him the 
object of triumph and ridicule. He gets even when they die as old maids.” 

But what is this all about ? 

In the latter part of May, some years ago, having a business engagement in 

St. Paul, of which I was notified only a few hours before train time, I hastily 

(5) 




6 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


closed my business for a few days’ absence, rushed nervously home, packed a 
small valise, swallowed my supper like a cormorant, and then stopped and con- 
sidered what it was I had forgotten to pack this time. Shirts ? ” ^^Yes; a half- 
dozen of them.” Heavy underwear for a cold snap ? ” Here it is.” ‘^Medi- 
cine?” “Yes; some genuine hand-made ‘Cedar Run.’” And so I went over 
item by item, just as a fellow always does, and then always forgets what he 
wanted most. 

I knew the train left the Chicago & North-Western passenger depot at such 
an hour, but no matter how often I consulted my watch I could not get over the 
idea of being in a hurry, and, as a result, I reached the depot just as the cars of 
the evening train for St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the North were being opened to 
receive the passengers. In my haste, I brushed roughly against an elderly 
gentleman, accompanied by an excuse for a dog ; after suitable apology I seated 
myself in an elegantly appointed car on the limited train, and not until then did 
the feeling of having arrived in time take possession of me. 

I had been seated probably ten minutes, when a near neighbor of mine and 
business friend came hurriedly into the car, and on perceiving me came to my 
section, and warmly shaking hands, said : 

“Where are you going ? ” 

“To St. Paul.” 

“ So am I. Why did you not say something about it this morning when I 
met you ? ’ ’ 

“ I did not know I w^as ” 

At this moment, Doctor S., another acquaintance of mine, came into the car, 
and I called him back to join us. When attempting to introduce him to Mr. C., 
both men exclaimed in the same breath — 

“Not necessary.” “ Why,” as C. said, “ S. and I were boys together before 
you were born.” 

The conversation became rapid, and confined to short exclamations of 
surprise when it was learned that Dr. S. was also going to St. Paul. The oddity 
of this little gathering of friends was unusual, but it was even greater when, a 
few minutes later, a fourth gentleman, who was a business friend of all of us, 
came in. In neither case did any other member know that any other two were 
acquainted. No one member knew the other was going on this journey. Had 
there been only one railroad connection to the point named it would not have 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


7 


been such an unusual occurrence. This circumstance led us to questioning each 
other how it happened that we all took the same line. One said it was his choice 
on account of the safety he felt in traveling over the North-Western; another, 
the shortness of the route commended itself to him ; and another, the elegance in 
the appointments, etc., and other things — but this is not a railroad advertisement. 

“A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.” 

Instead of spending a lonesome evening, we took the opposite tack, and 
adjourned to the smoking-room, passed half the night in chit-chat of one kind or 
another, and relating railroad experiences. The gentlemen named were all great 
travelers — the kind of men whom you occasionally meet, who have been every- 
where, seen everything, and have a fund of experience, and who, when occasion 
offers, can interest a person or a company for half an evening. Such accidental 
traveling parties on a great, far-reaching, and popular thoroughfare, like the 
North-Western, are not unusual occurrences, and usually result in new or renewed 
relations of friendship, business, and sometimes in more tender and important 
ones. By a double coincidence, some of the friends who met that night on the 
way to St. Paul foimed a part of the accidental expedition the history of which 
forms the material of this book. 

The members of it were Senator Hanna, who is well-known everywhere ; 
Mr. Carlisle, who is a prominent manufacturer of musical instruments, and his 
name stares you in the face in every daily paper. Dr. Snowden is an editor. I 
don’t know where he obtained his title, but tradition had it that in his younger 
days, when he was the “devil” of a printing establishment, he bandaged up the 
arm of a fellow employe that had been injured by a press, and there ever after he 
was called “ Doctor.” He wears his title still, and likes it. Dr. Snowden was 
accompanied by his wife, a dear, kind old lady. Mrs. Snowden had under her 
special charge the daughter of a distant relative of hers, who came north to spend 
the summer, a Miss Madge Blount, of Tennessee. Mr. Charles Carlisle, a son of 
the musical instrument manufacturer, was with us. My wife and myself were 
also of the number. We had a charming party, a delightful time, a new experi- 
ence in railroading, and when we came home we had something to tell. 

Have you time to listen ? 

JAMES DALY. 

Chicago, 1888. 






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4* 







THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


9 


CH/5PTDR I. 


‘ ‘ Singing through the forests, 
Rattling over ridges, 

Shooting under arches. 

Rumbling over bridges. 
Whizzing through the mountains. 
Buzzing o’er the vale — 

Bless me ! this is pleasant. 

Riding on a rail ! ” — Saxe. 




fENATOR HANNA was one of those genial, com- 
panionable gentlemen of mature years whom 
one sometimes meets. Having once made his 
acquaintance, you were sure to regard him an 
exception among men, and an exceptional man 
among old men. He had no hobbies ; and therefore was 
never wearisome. He had radical views, to be sure, but 
he never imposed on good nature by his dogmatism. When 
I first met him I should have placed his age at sixty-five. 
He was then in his second term in the United States Senate. 
At the close of his term he declined a re-election, saying 
to his friends, ^‘Send an abler and younger man.” But 
they declared more vehemently than ever that he was the man of all others. 
Their efforts were, however, in vain. Among his old friends in the Senate there 
was a general feeling of regret when it was learned that he would not return. 

To his intimates he explained that he had done his duty — there was no 
mortgage on the office that he held that he knew of ; that he was getting along in 
years and did not like the semi-yearly transfer of all his belongings from one end 
of the country to the other. The Senator was a man of considerable means — not 
what might be termed a rich man in this day of countless millionaires, but having 
enough to be able to draw from his income as he desired for his necessities, his 
pleasures, and his charitable gifts, without looking ahead and figuring out his 
balance, either Dr. or Cr., at the end of the year. A comfortable condition. 


10 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


He was a lover of out-door sports, a good angler, and handy with a gun. 1 have 
heard that he also knew how to handle himself scientifically in a bout with the 
gloves ; but that was probably in his younger»days. He gave offense to no man ; 
but I have seen the blue of his eyes turn to steel, with that cold, steady light, 
which in either brave man or brave woman means danger. The Senator was a 
living proof of the fact that a man with fairly good natural constitution, who is 
temperate in youth, finds the golden age of his life stretching out beyond the age 
of fifty. The hopes and fears, the jealousies and rivalries, which give a bitter 
tang to the pleasures of youth, are gone ; the battle of life has been fought and 
won. He has the homage of youth, the respect of middle age, and the kindly 
sympathy of all. If, like the Senator, he has a liking for the rifle, the rod, the 
cue, and the oar — for the open air and manly sports — his charter for life is already 
written down for four score. I have said the Senator was well-to-do in finances — 
not rich. He might have been, like so many others, rich in money and poor in 
health and in years to come. But even when he was a young man, and when he 
was in middle age, his love of the rod, the rifle, and the oar, added to his lease of 
life what they took from his purse. He let the wine-glass alone in his youth — 
said he was saving it up until his blood grew thin — and now it cheered without 
harming him. 

Mike, his coachman, was always ready to expatiate on his merits : 

“ Yis ; the ould gintleman is wan av the bist men Oi iver driv fur. He is wan 
av thim gintlemen that yez kin lay yez lasht cint on, and cum out winnin’ . Oi’ 11 
nivir lave him. Don’t he say of a Christmas, ‘ Moike, we’re gettin’ ould together ; 
Oi dhrink yez health, and may yez luk as ruddy a year the day as yez do at 
the prisent.’ And whin Oi luk in the bottom av me glass Oi see a goold 
twinty glistenin’ , and thin me eyes git wathery. God bliss him ! Oi’ 11 nivir 
lave him.” 

The Senator was very fastidious and exceedingly neat about his dress. In 
summer he appeared every morning in a suit of spotless white linen, and woe 
betide the laundress if Mike, as he laid out a freshly-ironed suit for the Senator, 
should discover any carelessness in the creases, or a touch of color from the iron. 
He wore a jaunty straw hat, also, and with his gray hair and beard neatly 
trimmed, he looked twenty years younger than he really was. Mike was exceed- 
ingly proud of the Senator’ s appearance, and really believed that it was his close 
supervision of his master’s wardrobe that made him look as well as he did. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


11 


Mike regarded me as liis next in kin to the Senator, and occasionally I would 
receive a note from him in a cramped hand, misspelled and nearly unreadable. 
I had noticed in the last letter that he was worried about the Senator’s health. A 
few days later, I received a letter from the Senator, saying he was suffering from 
indigestion, sleeplessness, and kindred ailments, and that his physician had 
ordered him to travel. ‘bBut where shall I go?” he wrote. ‘At would be 
monotonous going alone. If you and your wife will go along, and allow me to 
plan the trip. I’ll pay all expenses. It’s hot enough for you to drop your work 
for a few days for a change and rest.” 

I did need the rest, and when I spoke about it that evening to my wife she 
said, ‘‘Yes, of course; if he is unwell I would not think of allowing him to go 
away alone, or with no one but old Mike with him.” 

I wired the Senator next morning of our decision, and before noon I received 
an answering telegram from him of some length, that, while I understood the 
nature of the telegram, I could not foresee its object. It read as follows : 

St. Paul, August 20. 

Mike and I leave on the one-thirty train for Chicago. Be at your house for 
breakfast. Hire to-day a special car of the Chicago & North-Western Railroad, 
with kitchen attachment, berths, piano, a cook, and provisions for two or three 
weeks for us all. Haxxa. 

I re-read the telegram ; it was written plainly, and my orders were concise. 
I left my office at once, secured a car, the “ Davy Crocket,” that answered every 
requisite. I rented an upright piano and had it moved in, and by the aid of an 
excellent cook I engaged, made out a list of good things that would make your 
mouth water now if I enumerated them. I had been so busily employed during 
the forenoon that I had forgotten to get any lunch, and I reached home in a half- 
famished condition, and so tired that my wife was alarmed at my bedraggled 
appearance. In answer to her inquiries, I handed her the telegram, and said the 
car would be ready to-morrow and waiting for us. That it could be occupied as a 
first-class family residence as long as we wanted it. 

‘ ‘ But where are you going ? Why did he not say in the telegram ? I do not 
know what clothes to wear or what to take along — or — anything.” And a 
look of perplexity came over her face, which I somewhat dispelled by saying, 
“Now, wife, wait until morning; the Senator will be here then, and you shall 
know all.” 


12 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 



As we were about to sit down to breakfast the following morning, a carriage 
drove up and Mike stepped out with a valise or two, followed by the Senator. 

AVhen the Senator visits us, he invariably shakes hands with me and says, 
‘M’m delighted to see you, James.” Then, without a word to my wife takes her 
in his arms and kisses her — usually twice. To strangers this might seem an 
unusual occurrence, and it is. Most women resent, or at least shrink from, the 
caress of an old man, and old folks seem to know it. They understand that a 
good deal of personal affection is necessary to make them welcome in middle- 
aged or young society. 

And yet the pleasure 
which they evince 


WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN. 


when they are kindly and affectionately 
treated, shows that old hearts do not 
lose young sympathies — that they are 
hungry for the personal kindliness of which they were so fully the recipients when 
their youth and manly beauty were upon them. The ministers say that dying is 
a very lonesome sort of business. The doctor and all the friends can go to the 
starting-point, but from there on the dying man or w^onian must go without any 
company. It is the intention of society, or at least of the women, that old men 
shall get used to it by a lonely old age. My wife is not that way. She likes old 
people, but if she didn’t she would never let them suspect it. She says it is little 
enough we can do for them at best. 

The Senator never calls her by her given name, Katherine, or even Mrs. Daly, 
but always ^‘daughter.” He comes to our house whenever he is in the city and 



THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


13 


we regard him as the dear, kind old man that he is. He was not looking as well 
as usual, but said he was amazingly hungry. We sat down to a merry breakfast. 
My wife was exceedingly anxious to know of the trip, but refrained from asking 
the Senator, thinking he would explain the matter more fully. The only allusion 
he made to it was to ask me: ^‘Did you fill that telegraphic order yesterday, 

James?” To my affirmative reply he looked at my wife with a little roguish 
twinkle in his eye, and said : 

^‘Daughter, you are anxious to know where you are going, are you not ? But 
I am not going to tell any of you.” 

But what clothing shall I take? You must not take so cruel an advantage 
of a woman as to deprive her of dressing herself as occasion or society demands.” 

You are right, daughter; I will tell you.” 

Oh, I knew you would!” she exclaimed joyously. 

I will tell you — what to wear.” And as he began enumerating one article 
after another he added to her perplexity. ‘Won must take,” he said, heavy 
woolen dresses, heavy shoes and gloves, a white or cream-tinted low-coi’saged 
reception or party dress, hat, gloves, and fan to match.” And to me he said, 
James, you will need your dress suit and some old clothes, and your flannel 
shirts, and fishing jacket and outfit, and your guns.” 

To our wondering looks of surprise his enjoyment seemed to increase, and all 
through the morning meal he would keep suggesting to my wife everything, from 
her diamond necklace to an old pair of shoes, to take with her. Our efforts to 
learn from Mike what was the nature of the trip were also unsuccessful. 

’Pon me sowl, Oi’m not afther knowin’. He sez to me the other day, sez 
he, ‘ Mike, Oi’m goin’ till Chicagy toniorry ; git a few things in the bags fur gin- 
eral use fur a few weeks fur both av us, as ye are goin’ wid me, so ye are.’ ” 

After the Senator had rested an hour we went down into the city, and when I 
left him near my office he said he would join me at lunch; that now he would 
go over and see how well I had carried out his orders and close all the 
unfinished business. When I met him he stated that everything was done to 
his satisfaction, and on the following morning at eleven o’clock we must all be 
aboard. 

“ I think we are a trifle selfish, just three of us in that big car. I wish we 
could have a few more congenial friends with us. There is Dr. Snowden, for 
instance, and his wife — how they would enjoy a thing like this! But I suppose 


14 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


they are sweltering away in Washington. Tin sorry I did not wire them. It’s 
too late now.” 

That evening the Senator helped Mrs. Daly Avith suggestions as to the selec- 
tion of her wardrobe. The house was prepared for being closed an indefinite time. 
When we arrived at the North-Western passenger station the next morning 
earlier than usual, that we might be settled prior to our departure, we found 
our car, an elegant Pullman, standing alone on one of the south tracks, await- 
ing our occupancy. The cook, a colored man, stood on the rear platform in a 
snowy white jacket and apron, and on perceiving us his teeth showed like ivory 
beads. 


‘Wou’llfin’ most eberyting in orda’ , missus,” he said to my wife, ''an’ if 
you’ll allow me. I’ll take care of yo’ tings an’ show de way to yo’ apartments.”’ 
The car was beautifully finished, convenient, and nicely arranged. My wife 
gave a little exclamation of surprise and pleasure as each compartment came into 
view, and when the little cosy drawing-room was reached, with its easy chairs and 
piano, her pleasure Avas unbounded. We busied ourselves arranging our belong- 
ings in the rooms the Senator assigned us. We could not content ourselves in 
settling immediately, but must satisfy our curiosity by looking over the car. The 
kitchen was a marvel. The large cooking-range shone like burnished silver. The 
utensils were made to fit into each other to secure compactness. The 
cupboards were marvels, and the compartments for provisions were tin lined and 
air-tight. Ice coolers, ice chests, meat chests, AA^ere all there, and the w^hole thing 
seemingly occupying a space not over eight feet square. A large ventilator in the 
roof of the kitchen removed all smell of cookery. We had not missed the Senator 
in our exploration, but on returning to the drawing-room met him with a gentle- 
man that I at once recognized as Dr. Snowden, of the W ashington Post. 

*' We were talking about you only yesterday. When did you arrive ? ” 
"That is what I told him, James,” said the Senator. "Noav, Doctor, we 
want you along with us. We must have you — no getting out of it.” 

"But, Hanna, I have my wife along,” said the Doctor. 

" Well, so much the better — why in fact that is better than I expected. Let 
us go and see her.” 

"But, Hanna, a young lady is with us also— it is impossible.” 

"A young lady, ha-ha! That settles it. What is a party good for that 
hasn’t a young lady in it ? What sort of a world Avould this be without young 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


15 


ladies ? A spring time without blooms ; a summer without roses ; an autumn 
without grapes ; a winter without music ; moonlight without kisses.” 

And so the Senator ran on, whether recalling and reciting some response to a 
toast at a senatorial banquet, or extemporizing his thoughts, no one knew. He 
kej)t straight along, talking as fast as he walked, till he was in the presence of the 
ladies in the depot, where Dr. Snowden had left them, and ended his soliloquy in 
a hearty greeting. 

Ha, ladies ! ” extending a hand to each. Here I have caught you out on 
a fly, as the boys say. Mightily lucky I met the Doctor perambulating the plat- 
form. And so here you are, all off for a railroad waltz in the Northwest, a sort of 
old-fashioned country dance, up the sides and down the middle ; and I’m to lead 
the measure. That is the kind of an expedition I am out upon myself.” 

The young lady looked startled at first, but noticing the pleasure in the face 
of her elder companion, gave her hand to the happy old fellow, who, on finishing 
that part of his speech, paused and looked kindly at her, still holding her hand, 
and ran on : “ The young lady’s name ? Ah, Miss Blount. Miss Blount, I am 
very happy to meet you, dear — quite fortunate for all of us. You will be a great 
acquisition to our party and car. I do not know where we are going, or rather, 
where we are not going, and not leave the rails of the North-Western’ s system, 
unless we leave the rails precipitously, and that, I hope, will not be the case. 
I have full accommodations for you, rooms, everything — come along. Mrs. Daly 
is waiting for you — come.” 

‘‘But really, Langdon,” said Mrs. Snowden to her husband, “is Senator 
Hanna in earnest ? ” 

“Am I in earnest? I tell you the whole thing is settled. You are my 
guests.” 

“Well, I don’t know,” said Mrs. Snowden. “I’m afraid we are imposing on 
good nature. Would you like to go, Madge ? ” 

‘ ‘ Oh, I would be delighted ! ’ ’ she whispered to the elder lady. 

They accompanied us down to the car, and when they were certain there was 
room and plenty to spare, they gradually acquiesced, and the Senator commis- 
sioned Mike to get the Doctor’s trunks aboard. My wife had known Mrs. 
Snowden for many years, and prior to her marriage Mrs. Snowden had been 
regarded by her as filling a mother’ s place. Their delight at their odd meeting, 
and the knowledge that Mrs. Snowden was really going along with her, made the 



( 16 ) 




THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


17 


anticipation of a pleasant trip greater than ever. My wife and Miss Blount were 
drawn toward each other at sight, and they kissed each other at their first meeting 
with the enthusiasm of lovers. AVe were seated in the drawing-room just i3rior 
to starting time, when a gentleman accosted Sam, the cook, who was standing on 
the rear platform, and merely out of curiosity asked him : 

AVho’s car is this ? ” 

‘^AA^ell, sail, de gemmen what’s got it now is Senator Banner, I b’lieve his 
name is, from St. Paul.” 

AVhat ? Senator Hanna ! Is he aboard ? ” 

Yes, sail ; in de forwahd eend.” 

The gentleman walked rapidly forward to the front platform and entered the 
car. Lifting his hat, he said : 

Is Senator Hanna on this car ? ” 

“ AYell, he just is. Why, by all that’s good, if it is not Carlisle ! AYlien 
did you leave New York? How did you know I was here ? But, I beg your 
pardon, allow me to introduce you to Hr. Snowden, of AA^ashington.” 

'^AAdiy, Snowden,” said Carlisle, ^‘how are you? AY ell, this is certainly 
unexpected!” And warmly shaking hands with Dr. Snowden, Carlisle said, ^'Do 
you know, Hanna, that Snowden and I were boys together? ” 

Mr. Carlisle was introduced to the other members of the party in turn, and 
when being presented to Miss Blount he said, Your name seems familiar to me but 
your face does not ; when I think of it, I have heard my son Charles speak of you.” 
Is your son Mr. Charles Carlisle? ” she said. 

That’s his name, and he is around hereon the platform somewhere now. 
We are just on our way to Marquette.” 

So are we,” said the Senator. 

The train at this moment started and Mr. Carlisle disappeared through the 
doorway, saying, ‘‘Til be back in a minute,” and j^assed into the forward car. 

They must be on this train,” said the Senator. I must say this is quite a 
coincidence. If a fellow wishes to meet all the good old friends he ever knew, 
and all the nice people whom he ever knew, all he has to do is to take a summer 
excursion on this North- AA^estern Road.” 

It would be quite an oddity if this gentleman’s son, Mr. Charles Carlisle, is 
the same gentleman whom I met by that name at Jacksonville last winter,” said 
Miss Blount. 


2 


18 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


course, my pretty young lady, of course,” answered the Senator. 

That is just what I have been saying. You meet a nice young man in Florida, 
or Bombay, or Uganda-land — anywhere— and wish to meet him again, all you 
have to do is to take a summer fly over this lucky old road. It beats all the roads 
in the world for luck and love. ISTow, I don't know. Miss Madge, about the young 
man you met in Florida, but I’ll bet a picayune that this one is the same, because, 
as I said, it is just the luck of this road.” 

^Mf you’re a true prophet. Senator,” answered Madge, ‘^I’ll pay you that 
picayune.” 

You will, dear? God bless you ! What did I tell you, Snowden ? that the 
world wouldn’t be worth a sour crabaj>ple if it wasn't for the young ladies. Do 
you remember about Ben Jonson — ‘Rare Ben Jonson’ they called him— how 
he raved about a kiss when he Avas old and ugly, and anything but rare ? 

‘ ‘ J enny kissed me when we met, 

Jumping from the chair she sat in ; 

Time, you thief, who love to get 

Sweets into your cup, put that in ! 

“ Say I’m weary, say I’m sad. 

Say that health and wealth have missed me. 

Say I’m growing old, hut add 
Jenny kissed me ! ” 

Hearing some loud words in the other end of the car, I hastened back to And 
Mike and the cook in the height of a wordy battle. 

“ Oi tell yez, he don’t ate anny mate fur his dinner.” 

“ Well, mos’ gentlemans does,” said the cook. 

“ Duz yez mane to insinooate the ould man is no gintleman, ye ace av sphades ? 
WTien Oi say he ates no mate, he dozn't ate anny. Do yez moind that ! ” 

'‘I didn’t say de old man Avas no gemmen. I didn’t say it. I knoAv AA^hat I 
sez. You AA^ant to kick up a roAv, you do.” 

“Well, Oi tell yez this — wanst and fur all — I’m orderin’ the males fur the 
ould gintleman, and fur dinner he ates a baked apple wid crame, and two schlices 
av tosht.” 

Tlie cook, not willing to continue the discussion, entered the kitchen and shut 
down the panel. Mike, perceiving me, changed countenance instantly, and AAuth 
a dry laugh, said : 

“ He tuk me ordhers, annyAvay.” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


19 


When I reached the company again I was introduced to the younger Carlisle, 
whom I found chatting gaily with Miss Blount. 

‘^Carlisle, what are yon going to Marquette for — on business inquired the 
Senator of the elder Carlisle. 

“ A little for pleasure and a little for business. We are going to take it easy 
and not worry ourselves. You have got it right, Hanna, with this car. Now, I 
think this is just the thing — a regular rolling palace. I just think I’ll go with 
you as far as Marquette — invite myself, as it were. As for Charles, there, he can 
push along and have the business all attended to when I arrive.” 

That will not do at all. You must both stay with us. I have a room ready 
for you. You know, Carlisle, you are always turning up unexpectedly, and I had 
this room reserved especially for you. Excuse me. Miss Blount, I want to show 
Mr. Carlisle and his son our sleeping arrangements. This is my room, the first one 
on the left here; see how snug my hostelry is. This next room is Mr. and Mrs. 
Daly’s, and this is Miss Blount’s. Come, Miss Blount, and look at your room.” 

She arose quickly, and came to them. 

‘ ‘ Oh, is that not an exquisite little boudoir ? And that lovely mirror ! Sen- 
ator, you know what a woman loves best, don’t you ? Why, I’ll think I am some 
prima-donna in my own special car, you know.” 

Mrs. Daly joined the party, and she and Miss Blount began talking 
volubly about the arrangements, while the Senator showed Mr. Carlisle and his 
son their room, directly opposite his own. Dr. and Mrs. Snowden had already 
taken possession of theirs, the next one, while the third was occupied by Mike. 
The cook had a bunk in the kitchen, a bed that folded into the side of the 
car when not in use. 

‘‘ What do you say, Charles ?” said Mr. Carlisle. “ I do not desire to impose 
on Hanna.” 

‘‘Do not worry yourself about that,” said the Senator. 

“I do like the idea amazingly, father,” said the younger man. 

‘‘We will accept, Hanna.” 

“ This is my St. Paul house on wheels ; use my accommodations as your own.” 

“ Why, this is delightful,” said Miss Blount, when the younger Carlisle told 
her of their decision. “ And you will not be compelled to do any rowing, and no 
danger of losing an oar here,” she continued, referring to an incident that 
happened while they were South together the winter before. 


20 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


“Now that is unkind,” lie said, rising. ^^But there is one circumstance 
connected with that night that I would enjoy over again.” 

Miss Blount blushed very perceptibly, and young Carlisle, enjoying her 
confusion, said, You remember,” and passed out of the car. 

Mike was now busily arranging the tables for dinner. He was attired in a 
dress suit that had probably done service for the Senator at one time or another. 
His red hair was neatly brushed and parted in the back and brought forward 
over each ear. He was about the Senator’s size, but a little more portly, and had 
those awkward movements that would have told his nationality without hearing 
his brogue. His face was always smoothly shaven, and a pair of little blue eyes 
twinkled under his shaggy, red eyebrows. He busied himself at the tables, and 
hummed an Irish jig. He and the cook were on speaking terms only, and then 
only when occasion demanded it. The ladies retired to dress for dinner, while the 
gentlemen wandered back into the rear end of the car, the observation room. The 
train was whirling and flying along — now into a little suburban resort, with its 
whiteness and quietness and sleepiness under the noon-day August sun ; only 
leaving it to plunge through another and similar one. Then on further still, and 
the stations less frequent ; occasionally passing a farm-house or a crossing, with 
barefooted children standing in the dusty road waving frantically for some sign of 
recognition. 

The Senator, the elder Carlisle, and the Doctor were in pleasant chit-chat 
about general matters when Mike appeared and announced dinner in a few minutes. 

‘ ‘ Gracious, but I’ m hungry — hungry as a bear ! ’ ’ said Carlisle. 

“Yes, I'm ready,” said the doctor. “It is wonderful how these northern 
latitudes do improve the appetite. I do not know that I would have been able to 
eat anything if I had remained in Washington much longer. On the ^Davy 
Crocket ’ I hope to gain enough momentum in appetite to carry me along until 
the new year, at any rate.” 

“A good appetite is necessary to do justice to Hanna’s board, no matter 
where it is — in Washington, St. Paul, or on wheels. I have dined with him 
before. Eh, Hanna?” said Carlisle. 

At one o’clock dinner was called, and there was a movement toward the table, 
not quite so stately as is usual toward a senatorial banquet. A long table was set 
in the centre of the car, and a table on the side which Mike had arranged as an 
impromptu sideboard. It was laden with little silver-plated buckets, on opposite 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


21 




WAUKESHA SPRINGS. 


sides of which peered, through broken ice, plethoric bottles with large corks 
covered with gilt foil, the labels of which told of a vintage of no recent date. 
Mike served the dinner and it was delicious. A good appetite and a congenial 
friend across the table are not productive of a dyspeptic. 

Before dinner was over the Senator announced a pro- 
gramme that he had marked out, for the present, at least. 

‘‘My idea,” he continued, “is this: that we do no 
traveling at night. When night overtakes us, we will stop 

where we are at that time. Continuous travel- 
ing will make us tire of the journey. I have 
official papers with me that will allow us to 
side-track where fancy pleases. By the way, 
here is our first stopping place. You have 
been so taken up with your dinners that you 
are probably not aware that this is Milwaukee, 
and we are being switched from the regular 
train at this minute. This is the famous 
Milwaukee Bay that you are looking at now. 
What say the rest of you to my plan ? ” 

“Oh, Senator, I think it is capi- 
tal! We can sit on our veranda and 
have a new prospect from our house 
every evening. Isn’ t it an idea 1 and 
such a romantic one. I)on’ t you think 
so, Mr. Carlisle?” said Miss Blount. 

“It is,” answered both the elder 
and the yonnger Carlisle. 

‘ ‘ I see two of yon are answering 
to the same name,” said the Senator. 
“ Now let me suggest that w^e adopt the 
given names, for the yonng people at 
least, and the surnames for the older. 
We are all a big family for a while, and it is not congenial to say Miss Blonnt, 
for instance, every time she is addressed. Miss Blount has an extremely pretty 
name— Madge — and if she does not object we will all caliber Madge.” 



22 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


“ I like that name the best, and I wish you all would ; in fact I think my last 
name, Blount, is such a whole mouthful of a name that I never did like it. I 
wish it were something else.” 

At this Miss Blount colored visibly, and the inaudible smile that greeted her 
at her mistake only heightened her confusion. 

You’ll probably have it changed some day,” said the Doctor. 

Oh, I did not mean — 1 — you know — I mean” Her words were shut oif by 

a smile which was, this time, distinctly audible from all parts of the table, and 
blushing violently, she arose from her chair and ran into the other end of the car 
to hide her confusion. 

^^Now, Doctor, why did you say that?” said Mrs. Snowden. Will you 
never quit teasing that girl? ” 

We will call Miss Blount, Madge, for a while, as she does not object, and 
the younger Carlisle, Charles, and the elder Carlisle, Mr. Carlisle, I guess,” con- 
tinued the Senator. And then there is Dr. Snowden — that is easy enough; and 
call Daly here Jim or James, and his wife — Avell, I call her Daughter.” 

Call me Cassie, as James does,” she replied. 

“ That settles all but myself.” 

I think we will call you Conductor, Senator,” said Mr. Carlisle. 

‘^Naw! call’im the Sinater,” Mike put in with a feeling of warmth. ' ^‘Oi 
loikes the a-claw av the name.” 

The what, did you say, Michael? ” said Mrs. Snowden, laughing. 

He likes the e-c-l-a-t of the name,” said the Senator, smiling. 

How doz yez sphell your word? ” said Mike, a little provoked at the sup- 
pressed mirth that was going around the table. 

^Ht’s a French introduction, Mike,” I answered, and is spelled e-c-l-a-t.” 

Oi nivir sed anny such thing,” testily replied Mike, as we arose from the 

table. 

We will be here until to-morrow morning, and I, for one, am not going to 
lose my afternoon nap,” said the Senator. 

I am glad you suggested it,” said Mrs. Snowden. That relieves me of 
excusing myself. ’ ’ 

The ladies all retired. The windows opening toward the bay were raised and 
the blinds pulled down on the sunny side ; the car was soon deliciously cool. 
Mr. Carlisle and Charles left for a stroll into the business portion of the city. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


2B 


while I could not forego my after-dinner cigar, seated myself at one of the unoc- 
cnj)ied windows and listened to the conversation carried on between Sam, the 
cook, and Mike, who were busily eating their dinners. 

Well, yez kin cook, afther all.” 

'M’d orter — bin at it mos’ thirty yea’s,” said Sam. 

Phwat ! thirty years, did yez say ? ” said Mike, dropping his knife. How 
ould are yez, anny way ? ” 

“Mos’ fo’ty-eight, or it’s not fer from hit ; I disremember ’bout dat, but I 
was a chunk er a boy when ole massa went to de Mexico war, and I heerd dat 
was ’long ’bout ’48; wasn’t hit, Mr. Jim ? ” referring to me. 

Yes; about that time,” I replied. 

How ole is you, Mike ? ” asked Sam. 

Oi’m forty-ate mesilf.” 

Well, I ’dare, you don’t look hit — yaw, yaw ! Thinks I you’ not mo’ dan 
thirty enyway.” 

The remark of the cook pleased Mike, on noticing which Sam continued: 
‘‘You got a clean face ; don’ you never wea’ eny whiskers or nutliin’ ? How 
it happen yo’ don’t ? ” 

Oi phrobably tuk the infiction whin in Washington.” 

Uh, ha ! but I might a knowed yo’ was older, lookin’ at yer ears.” 
‘^Luckin’ at me ears ? Doz yez think me ears grow a new round ivery sazon ? 
’Pon me sowl, yez take the cake fur insultin’ langwidge.” 

^‘No, no, dat haint hit. Say, what makes yo’ bristle up every time yo’ 
spoke to ? You mus’ got up wrong eend to, dis mo’nin’. Now, if yo’ want er 
know wat I ment ’bout de ear tellin’ aige. I’ll tell yo.’ Mos’ likely yo’ never 
hear dat, eh ? 

Oi nivir did,” said Mike.” 

Hits like dis,” said Sam, coming over to Mike : ^ Wo’ feel dis little nub er 
gristle jus’ fore yo’ comes to de bearin’ business — what’s its name?” 

Oi don’t know, but oi feel yez finger,” said Mike. 

When yo’ gits to be twenty-six dere is a little fuz comes on dar, an’ as yo’ 
gets older de longer hit grows. Yo’ feel now; yo’ got some stiff ole bristles on 
dere now. Why, I knows pussons among my people in Georg’ a dat kin tell de 
’zact aige an’ year yo’ was born in.” 

‘‘Aw, come off wid that tale.” 



SHE PULLED HER MITTENED HAND FROM HER MUFF AND HELD IT UP. 

( 24 ) 






THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


25 


Hit’s a fac’; we call nm aige mans.” 

‘‘ Don’t anny av yez know whin yez wuz born ? ” 

‘‘I neveli seed a colo’d pusson what could tell ’zactly, leastwise dem what 
wus bo'n fo’ de wa’.” 

I then explained to Mike the condition of the colored people before the war 
and the reason of their keeping no data because of their lack of education. As 
the men rose from their dinner and began clearing away the tables, I sauntered 
into the drawing-room and took a short nap on the sofa. When I awoke I heard 
the Senator talking on the platform, and upon going out found he was engaging 
carriages for a short drive over the city, to start at five o’clock. The Carlisles 
had come back and the ladies were notified. 

At the appointed time, two open carriages drove up to the depot platform, 
and we were rapidly whirled to the north, along the drive overlooking the bay, to 
the light-house, returning several hours later by a tour through the city and the 
grounds of the Soldier’s Home. After a light lunch, we again took the carriages 
for Schlitz’s garden. This is the Milwaukee German’s pride. At the time of our 
arrival the tables were nearly all occupied with guests. At some of the tables 
sat the husband and spouse and their children, all sipping beer and listening 
with moistened eyes to ‘‘Die Wacht am Rhine.” A little slice of the Fatherland 
it is; German songs and song legends are rendered as feelingly as in the gardens of 
“ Unter den Linden.” Many Americans also frequent the place. It is one of the 
few beer-gardens of the United States that a lady may resort to without criticism. 

“This is what I call comfortable,” said Carlisle. “This is forty times better 
than a hot theatre. But here we are sitting, staring at our surroundings, and 
being stared at in turn, while these two men here are waiting for our orders. 
I’ll order, and I guess everything will be satisfactory if I make it Pilsener for the 
gentlemen, and 

“Lemonade for the ladies,” said my wife. 

“Alles recht ! Funf Pilsener comes a long, and make it drei lemonades,” 
roared the waiter across the garden to the bar. 

“ What queer things you do in the North,” said Miss Blount to Charles, who 
was sitting near her. “A lady seen in a similar resort in the South would be 
tabooed forever after, had she an escort or not.” 

“ This is not an unusual thing. Miss Blount ” 

“Madge, please,” she interrupted. 


26 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


^‘Yes, I forgot. In New York it is notan unusual thing for parties to be 
made up and go to Tlieiss’ garden, or Koster & Bial’s. The music is the best that 
can be had, the crowd decorous and attentive. Some objectionable features, of 
course, but you can say the same of every theatrical performance.'’ 

‘‘Cincinnati has similar places, also,” said the Senator. “ In fact, there are 
half a dozen hill-top resorts.” 

“Well, for my part, I think it is terrible,” said Mrs. Snowden. “I feel 
ashamed of myself, but the music is beautiful. I believe I will have some more 
Pilsen — what do you call it ? ” 

“Why, wife, you had lemonade.” Dr. Snowden glanced at Mrs. Snowden’s 
glass and said : “If that waiter did not give me the lemonade and mother the 
beer, and she has drank that, thinks beer-gardens are terrible, and now wants 
some more — what’s its name! ” The Doctor laughed heartily, and the Senator 

winked at the Doctor and nodded to the waiter, who caught uid the glass and 
once more roared out: 

“ Bins, in a hurry! ” 

We watched the crowd and listened to the numbers until perhaps ten o’clock, 
when we ordered the carriages and returned home — our home, with a string to it. 

The evening was so warm that we did not retire at once, but occupied the 
observation room and the back platform. We found that by keeping quiet we 
could feel comfortable. It was noticed that whenever it was practicable Charles 
and Madge, accidentally, of course, managed to get in the same neighborhood. I 
noticed that they were now occupying chairs at one of the windows facing the 
bay. 

“ A land breeze is blowing to-night,” said the Senator, “ and we being under 
the lee of this big hill on the right do not get any of it, but you would be cool if 
you were out there on the water a short distance. You young people. Dr. and 
Mrs. Snowden, and Mr. Carlisle, and the rest of you, can enjoy yourselves, but 
you will excuse me. I must go to bed — I’m drowsy, and the last thing the doctor 
told me was to get all the sleep I could.” 

“ Excuse me, also, friends. I am very tired,” said Mrs. Daly. 

After they had retired, Mike brought us some cool lemonade, “ Wid the 
coon’s compliments.” After he had served it he perched himself on the brake- 
wheel. 

“Wid your lave,” he said. “ Oi’m miltin wid the hate, so Oi am.” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


21 


By the way,” said Madge to me, ^^wliy does the Senator call your wife 
' daughter ’ 'I Are you related? I have noticed him address her by that name 
several times to-day.” 

There is a little story connected with that,” I reiDlied. You know whai 
it is, Mrs. Snowden? ” 

know why it is, but I do not know any story connected with it.” 

‘‘If there is a story connected with it, let us have it by all means,” said 
Charles. 

If you desire to hear it I’ll tell it, now that the Senator and Mrs. Daly are 
out of range.” 

They all nodded assent, and unconsciously began to arrange themselves in 
their chairs for an easy position. I stated that I had once written out the story 
under assumed names, and thought that I might induce some magazine to take it. 
I did offer it hesitatingly, but it was returned, saying: “ "i our story, ‘ A Hand,’ 
is fair, but there is not enough action in it. While some of your scenes are origi- 
nal, they are unreal. We are sorry we cannot use it, etc.” 

“Oh, do commence, Mr. Daly. That magazine man was a poor judge, I 
know. It is going to be a love story, I hope,” said Madge, impatiently. 

“ Go on wid yez yarn, Jim, Oi’m waitin’,” said Mike. 

“’Well, here it is.” 


28 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


CH/iPTDR II. 


Oh, little hand so fair and white, 

So finely moulded, smooth, and slender, 

When first you came within my sight. 

All else gave way to feelings tender. 

And though you seemed so small and slight, 

You bound me fast — a sweet oppressor. 

And peace I knew not, day or night. 

Until of you I was possessor. — A llan Woodruff. 

A HAND. 


AM a sound sleeper. With a clear conscience and 
a robust constitution, it is impossible for a man to 
toss sleeplessly on his bed. But that morning I 
awoke suddenly two hours before my usual time, 
and felt so wide awake that I thought it must cer- 
tainly be seven o’clock at the latest. I pulled aside the 
curtains of my berth, and held my watch under the 
glimmering light. It was only five! I shook it, looked again 
at it, and glanced up and down the car. No one was stir- 
ring; not even the porter in sight. I pulled my head in 
again, shivered a little, turned over and tried to go to sleep, 
but the pillows seemed out of shape and I could not comfort- 
The covering would not adjust itself to me, and after trying 
to keep my eyes shut a few minutes, at last gave it up and rolled up the curtain. 

The air outside looked keen and snapping. The ground with its covering of 
snow sparkled as if some prodigal hand had scattered diamonds in profusion every- 
where. The moon was low, but seemed to be lingering for one last look on so 
beautiful a landscape. Away ahead I could occasionally catch glimpses of the 
engine as she rounded the curves, covered with clouds of steam that fell back 
over her dusky form like a mantle of eider. She held her nose over the glisten- 
ing path, with its two parallel lines running on into infinity, like a hound on the 



^ ^ r> 


ably arrange them. 



THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


29 


trail, while the light on her forehead darted flashes like a meteor. On we flew. 
The low rumble and swaying motion of the car on its springs betokened onr speed. 

I lay back on my pillow, thanking fortune that I was in comfortable quarters, 
and not breathing the frosty air as the men on the engine. As dawn appeared I 
pulled up the curtain at the foot of the berth, j)iled the pillows under my head, 
making my position a semi-reclining one, and watched the effect of the bright 
streaks of crimson which were now shooting over the hills and making the shadows 
in the valleys disappear. 

On entering the car the evening before, as far as I could notice, the apart- 
ments were nearly all fllled. Seeing this, I gave my valise and coat to the porter, 
entered the smoking apartment, and did not leave it until late — so late in fact, 
that it was almost impossible to find my berth, owing to the poor light and the 
uniformity of the made-up berths. 

I now noticed as I raised the lower curtain, in the half light of morning that 
fllled my apartment, a white object at the uj)i)er inside corner of the berth, to which 
I at first gave no attention, thinking, as I remember now, that it was the corner of 
the sheet that covered the berth above me. At one time I saw it move, but the move- 
ment was so unnatural for an inanimate object that it gave me a slight start. As the 
light increased I found my attention was all the more keenly riveted on this white 
object in the corner. I saw it move a second time and by degrees it began to take 
shax:)e. I now discovered that it was a hand, but whether a large or a small one, 
a man’s or a woman’s, I could not discern. I was pleased at making the one 
discovery — a little more daylight would tell me what kind of a hand it was and 
give me some idea of its owner. 

I found out as my vision became iflainer that it was small — probably a 
child's. Next, that it was too slender for a child’s, and not large enough for a 
man's. A slight movement of the hand betrayed a beautiful solitaire ring 
encircling the third Anger — my interest very perceptibly increased. I thought I 
was too old to be interested in such things. When a man looks back over a 
stretch of thirty years, and can honestly confess that such trivial things as being 
interested seriously in a woman’s heart never troubled him, he should not confess 
that in the secondary consideration he should be taken so completely unawares 
by a woman’s hand. I wished my bed had been made up the other way, then I 
would be directly under the little hand and could study it, from a distance, to 
be sure, but more minutely. 


30 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


The light grew in volume, but not fast enough to suit my impatience. I 
watched the hand as it hung there, limp and motionless, with increasing interest. 
I was fearful every moment it might be withdrawn. I sat up in my berth, but my 
view was not sufficiently compen- 
sated. I tossed my pillows to the 
other end of the berth and changed 
my position. A closer view of the 
hand showed me also a wee bit of 
well-rounded wrist protruding from 
a black sleeve fringed with lace. 

The hand was a beautiful one, 
small, pearly white, and looked as 
soft as a baby’s. The veins were 
marked only the faintest under the 
almost transparent skin. The nails 
were beautiful, well rounded, dain- 
tily kept, and polished. My in- 
quisitiveness would not stop where 
the hand left off. I was not now 
satisfied with the closer inspection 
I had obtained, but wanted to know 
if the owner of the hand was as 
comely in person as the little sam- 
ple I had of her led me to believe 
was the case. I argued that such 
a white skin must belong to a fair 
complexioned lady, a brunette’s 
would be creamy in color. I, of 
course, wondered how old she 
was — I could not see a wrinkle — 
she must be young. Was she 
married or single ? I never gave 
much of any attention to the ring fashions, but I knew that a young lady 
was at least engaged if she wore a ring on her first finger. It gave me ]3leasure 
to know the ring did not betoken a sweetheart. Had the ring been placed on 



T;/// 


GREEN LAKE. WIS.— VIEW FROM OAKWOOD. 





THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


31 


the second linger she must have been a married lady, but then, if married, where 
was the plain band wedding-ring? It was wanting. The ring being on the third 
linger did not argue anything. I next tried to recall all that I had ever heard in 
regard to palmistry. I had given the matter some little attention years before, 
and could only recall the cardinal signs. The hand was partially closed ; this 
was against me, but by twisting my neck, I found the hand was clearly marked 
with dainty lines, which I could now see but indistinctly. The line that is first 
considered is the line running around and encircling the base of the thumb, called 
the vital line, if I remember correctly. The line was so marked that it betokened 
a good constitution and a fair lease of life. Its course was nearer the base of the 
thumb than is usual, showing her to be of a warm, confiding nature, firm but sym- 
pathetic. Some other lines showed a love of independence and sound judgment ; 
others, a coquettish, roguish nature ; others, that she was tender of other’s 
feelings. This much I found : That I was unconsciously taking as much interest in 
the ‘‘tale of the hand,” as if I expected my own hand to be crossed with a silver 
piece when I had finished the examination. A few markings in the centre of the 
hand I desired to see, that the half light in the apartment did not reveal. I never 
knew how it hajjpened, but can only remember that I was so earnest in my 
endeavor to trace out those markings that I forgot the hand belonged to any one — 
forgot where I was, or the situation, and turned the hand around to the light. 


I noticed that my story was not much appreciated by my audience. This was 
made very evident by an occasional yawn from some of the members of the party, 
or from their changing their positions occasionally. I did not desire to bore them 
with a story that I myself thought insipid, and as I closed the last sentence, said: 
“ I see you are not interested, and we are all tired ; let us postpone the balance 
of the story until to-morrow night.” 

“ No, no; go on! ” said Madge. “It is just beginning to get interesting. 
What did she do when you caught hold of her hand ? ’ ’ 


The moment my hand came in contact with the hand from above I realized 
my mistake. The hand was suddenly withdrawn. An overwhelming sense of 
my folly came over me. I would apologize, but how ? I could not say it was an 
accident, because I had taken hold of the hand deliberately. Had I merely 
touched it that would have been another matter. I did hope at that moment a 


32 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


collision would happen, that in the uproar I could drop out into the snow unob- 
served. With a feeling somewhat akin to criminal, I dressed quickly, secured my 
valise and coat and placed them in a seat not occupied further ux) the car, and 
then went into the wash-room. Not until I reached it did I feel secure. I 
plunged my burning face into the cold water, which animated me a little. As I 
gathered my scattered forces while comj)leting my morning toilet, I smiled at my 
sudden trepidation. I had not been seen ; why not go back and from another 
seat see if the owner of the hand was as comely as I had pictured her ? There were 
twenty other jDersons in the car; how could she distinguish me from the others ? 

I went back into the car and took a seat near my own berth and waited 
j)atiently for the occui)ant of upper seven” to make her appearance. After a 
lapse of time that seemed hours, while in reality it may have been twenty minutes, 
I saw the porter approach the berth with the ladder, and immediately a girlish 
head protruded from the curtains with a half-frightened expression on her face. 
What I expected from so beautiful a hand was more than realized. The face was 
beautiful — large, lustrous eyes, a beautiful complexion, and a well formed head 
crowned with a luxuriant growth of auburn hair. As the curtains parted and she 
stood for an instant not quite determined which way to go, I caught her full out- 
line. She was medium in size, graceful in every movement, and was clothed in a 
warm-colored fabric which heightened the color of her complexion. As she X)assed 
me I imagined I caught a little roguish twinkle in her eye — but that may have 
been only my imagination. I waited patiently for her return, but my station, 
Hudson, was called ere she came back, and I reluctantly got off. 

The beautiful little town nestled so quietly under the lee of the hills, with 

the great black St. Croix bathing its feet, is as beautiful in winter as in summer 

months. As I left the car and stepped into the cold, invigorating air, I could not 

but admire the quiet tranquility that reigned everywhere. The blue smoke was 

curling upward from a number of white cottage chimneys that betokened 

warmth, peace, and plenty inside. I droj)ped my valise at the dex)ot and walked 

aimlessly down the high-grade a}:)j)roach of the immense bridge. I indulged in 

some air-castle building that was the nearest apj^roach to sentimentalism that had 

occux)ied my thoughts for many a day. The long train, now rumbling along the 

farther end of the bridge, and so far distant that it resembled a toy train of cars, 

contained a face and form that had awakened a new desire in me. A little white 
) 

cottage in some quiet j)lace like this, a wife, and mayhap a little toddler at my 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


knee — but nonsense. I started back at a rapid rate, breakfasted, dnislied my 
business, and took the next train for St. Paul. 

It was the time of the ice carnival. Such a throng of people in outlandish 
costumes. At night the city was gaily illumined with myriads of electric lights, 
and its streets filled with noisy, rollicking, gaily-dressed crowds. I hurried 
through my business, which kept me occupied for several days, and then, being 
alone and having no personal acquaintances in the city, did as the rest did : 
bought a blanket suit, a tasseled cap, and followed the crowd. I was not willing 
to admit then, even to myself, why I staid, as I took no particular interest in 
tobogganing, or freezing myself standing on the corners watching the various 
carnival companies in their parades. But you can guess it. On the third day I 
was rewarded. I was coming down Third street ; the sidewalk was filled with 
pedestrians, while the street was in a continual jingle of passing sleighs loaded 
with happy people. One turnout that caught my attention was remarkably fine. 
Three large horses were hitched abreast, a semi-circle of plumes over the central 
horse, while the others were nearly covered witli bells. The heavy harnesses were 
trapped with silver. The sleigh was low and broad, hidden with robes, while the 
driver, on a high seat in front, was costumed like a Cossack. There were two 
occupants besides the driver — an old gentleman and a lady. The gentleman was 
so closely muffled that he was nearly unrecognizable, but the lady was the one 
that had occupied upper seven.” She saw me, I think, before I recognized her. 
As the sleigh passed me and was receding, she pulled her mittened hand from her 
muff and held it up, palm toward me, for an instant, behind the old gentleman, 
and seemingly trying to avoid being seen by others, or the old gentleman himself. 
There was a most tantalizing and bewitching expression on her face as she did 
this. In a instant the face was gone. 

To say I was dumbfounded at her action would be hardly expressing my feel- 
ings. That she knew or divined my efforts at palmistry in the car was certain 
from her action. That she was amused at my nonplussed expression was evident 
from the suppressed mirth, the fun, raillery, and blushes which followed like quick 
ripples over her face. To my embarrassment she had turned the tables on me. 
The twinkle that I thought I saw in her eyes as she passed me that morning in the 
car was not a supposition. It was a reality. 

1 made my way to my hotel and took the first train home. On my way to the 
depot 1 was afraid to look into a woman’s face, fearful that it might be she, and 

3 



MADGE AND YOUNG MR. CARLISLE. 


(30 




THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


35 


that some new phase of the matter might reveal itself that I knew nothing about 
or did not expect. The matter puzzled me for a long time, but I never could come 
to any real opinion of how she obtained the knowledge of my efforts at palmistry. 


When I entered Madame Y’s residence the night of her famous reception, 
unattended, the house was ablaze with light. The j)arlors and halls were crowded 
with guests, while the dancers in the salon were making muscular efforts to keep 
in motion, though nearly futile for want of space. My acquaintance was limited, 
and after disposing of my wraps 1 was happy that such was the case. I could get 
into a corner somewhere and watch what was going on unobserved. I had 
scarcely reached the lower landing when I was confronted by an old classmate 
that I had not seen for years. His delight in meeting me was not assumed, and 
nothing would do but that I must make the rounds with him. Almost before I 
was aware of it I was filling my card with names. 

I spent a most enjoyable evening. I closed my last number and was standing 
in the conservatory, which opened from the drawing-room, talking with Brown, 
my old college chum, when my attention was attracted to a graceful figure stand- 
ing at the further end of the drawing-room conversing with an elderly gentleman. 
Occasionally she would look in our direction, artlessly shading her eyes with her 
hand to get a better view of us. There was something familiar to me in the 
figures of both the gentleman and the young lady. I probably stared so earnestly 
that Brown, noting my lack of attention, turned, and seeing the object that 
attracted me, said : 

‘‘That’s the princess, Jim. They have come in late, and that is her father. 
Senator X. Come along. I’ll introduce you.” 

I tried to remonstrate but it was useless. The minute I saw her face, unaf- 
fected by the blaze of light, I recognized her. I am not usually timid, but I never 
felt so ill at ease or awkward as I did at that time. She saw my embarrassment 
and only added to it by saying : 

“Yes, Mr. Brown ; Mr. Daly comes very near being an old friend ; so much 
so, in fact, that we should shake hands.” 

And as she said this she coquettishly thrust forward the little gloved hand, 
which I clasi)ed with a vigor that was quite unnecessary. The conversation 
branched off into various channels. I stumbled along and wished I could get 
away from those eyes. Finding that Brown was in the middle of a discussion 


36 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


with the Senator, I told her I had something to tell her, and she very cordially 
took my arm and we wandered back to the conservatory, now quite deserted. I 
then explained the ridiculous experience of the sleeping-car — how 1 was led into 
it, and my succeeding rudeness when I thought I was not known. She laughed 
heartily and said the occurrence had been often amusingly thought of. She 
explained that, in her sleep, her arm had fallen over the side of the berth and she 
was awakened by a feeling of numbness in her hand, owing to the position her 
arm was held in for so long. She had no idea her hand extended below the line 
of the upper berth. Her attention was further attracted by a low voice in the 
berth beneath, and on looking dovui had seen the head of a rather ^^prepossess- 
ing-looking gentleman,” as she put it, in close proximity to her hand, and seem- 
ingly studying it very minutely. She knew at once what his motive was, and still 
more so, because the gentleman was talking either to himself or to some one in the 
berth with him. (I have been told before that I was in the habit of talking to 
myself. It only confirmed me of the uselessness of trying to throw off bachelor- 
hood.) On pressing her to know what it was I said, she replied that she had only 
caught enough of the conversation to hear him speaking about the Vital line,” 
the Line of truth,” and so on. She also said she caught the expression of earn- 
est endeavor on his face, and knew that the accident happened unintentionally. 
When seeing me again in St. Paul she could not refrain from giving me to under- 
stand she knew all about it, and begged that I would forgive her rudeness and 
make allowances for a little breach of etiquette, because it was Carnival time.” 
Further conversation was interrupted by the approach of Brown and Senator 
X. The Senator said : 

‘ ‘ I am looking for a man by your name, Daly. I noticed by the papers he was 
in Washington a few days ago. He is here to introduce a new piece of ordnance 
he has patented. I did want to see him. I have an idea of my own that will 
perfect this machine, I think.” 

‘‘Why, Jim, that is you,” said Brown. Senator, this is the Daly.” 

“Well, just the man I wanted! Mr. Daly, your patent — I have seen the 

drawings — is lacking in this, that the ’ ’ 

“Xow, papa, do not commence talking gun to Mr. Daly. You will never 
know when to stop. Let me suggest that Mr. Daly call.” 

‘'Yes, dear, you are right, and its late, too — but, Mr. Daly, can you not join us 
at breakfast. We will be alone, will we not, dear ? ” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


37 


^‘Breakfasts are too conventional, papa, and perhaps it would be inconven- 
ient for Mr. Daly to breakfast at onr hour; let me suggest dinner. Yon will 
come, Mr. Daly, and yon also, Mr. Brown ? ’ ’ 

Brown pleaded an engagement, but 1 accepted. 

“ Yes, dinner — that is better,” said the Senator. “ I will in the meantime get 
my ideas on paper about the gun, Daly ; and come early. We dine at seven.” 
And giving his number for his carriage, they bade ns good night. 

That night, just before we parted. Brown said, abruptly: 

“ So you and the j)rincess are old friends, Jim ? ” 

‘ ‘ How does she come by that name ? ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Oh, that is the name she is known by among her gentlemen friends, and 
that is the name given her by the papers here. She is so well liked, and is such a 
regal-looking beauty — did you ever see such eyes and hair ? She reminds me — 

“ Her eyes were blue, and such a pair, 

No star in heaven was ever brighter ; 

Her skin was most divinely fair ; 

I never saw a shoulder whiter. 

And there was something in her form^ 

Juste en hon poiate, I think they term it — 

That really was enough to warm 
The icy bosom of a hermit.” 

She has more admirers than any other woman in Washington, and treats us all 
about the same, but she is still ‘heart and fancy free.’ ” 

“Then you are an admirer, I should take it ? ” 

“Yes; I was one of them, but now I admire from a distance. Where did 
you say you met her, Jim? You did not seem a bit impressed with her 
cordiality.” 

“Oh, it was only a casual acquaintance — sometime back.” 

“Eh, ha ! Good night,” and Brown left me. 

I sauntered slowly toward my lodgings ; the bright moonlight and the utter 
quiet were restful. The cigar I smoked was a good one, but my mind was so 
busy in recalling her every word and exj^ression during our short conversation 
that it went [out half a dozen times. I was restless that night. I closed my eyes 
and could see the little white hand as I first saw it in the half light of early morn- 
ing in my berth. I could see it, in its little silk mitten, held up toward me from 
the sleigh. I could feel it, with its gloved warmth, lying carelessly in mine, and 


38 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


tlieii; as I gradually became unconscious, it seemed to liang over me, and as I 
would grasp it, it would vanish just out of my reach. I, too, was becoming one 
of the ‘‘princess’ ” admirers. 

The dinner that next evening was a charming experience — just her father and 
herself. Her father, the Senator, was, I found, an old friend of my father’ s in 
their younger days. When we arose from the table and the Senator led the way 
into the library, or his den, as he termed it, she begged to be allowed to follow us, 
and over perplexing details and seemingly uninteresting designs to her, we sj^ent 
the evening. In comment on an idea of her’s that explained a certain nerplexity 
we were worrying over, her father said : 

“ Well, now, daughter, you know more about guns than either of us. You 
see, Mr. Daly, it’s hereditary.” 

Before I left, she sang several charming little ballads, “favorites of i)apa’s,” 
she said, and I went back to my lodgings in love with the “princess.” 

The next day, and the next, saw me at the Senator’s. Occasionally I would 
catch glimj)ses of Cassie as she flitted past or through the library, where the 
Senator and myself were busily engaged over our drawings. Sometimes she would 
stop and listen to our discussions. It was then that designs, ideas, and details 
would vanish and leave me in such an absent-minded state that it would be some 
minutes after she had left us before I could again collect myself enough to proceed. 

Much to my pleasure, I found that my work was being lengthened out 
beyond all my former calculadons. After my plans had been placed on file, I had 
no reasonable excuse for staying.. The last evening in Washington, I called, with 
the full intention of telling Cassie some things her ear alone should hear. I found 
myself in a semi-reception when I reached the Senator’s, and had only a few 
minutes with her to say good-bye. The Senator said he was sorry to lose me, as I 
had been the only sociable friend of the winter. 

I heard from the Senator occasionally during the following summer on busi- 
ness topics, and he would generally speak of his daughter, but only as to her 
health or some such matter. In the following September, I saw a newspaper 
announcement of the engagement of Miss X., daughter of Senator X., of St. Paul, 
to Lieut. S. A. Somers, U. S. X. It made me shiver a little. I laid down the 
paper, and through the curling smoke of my pipe saw a slender white hand form 
itself and gradually grow dim and vanish in the shadows beyond the range of my 
lamx). I chided myself that I had let my love lie dormant all this time, and had 


39 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS, 



not even made a fair race for that which 
out of my reach. 

The latter part of the next J annary 


GRAY ROCKS. GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN. 


1 desired above all things. Now it was 


found me again at St. Paul during the 
Carnival. The day after my arrival, 
on returning to the hotel for dinner, I 
found a note from Senator X., saying 
he had seen an announcement in the 
Globe of my arrival, and insisted that 
1 should have my things sent ux) to 
his house and make his home my 
own during my stay; and further 
explaining that they had been home 
for some weeks and would not 

again return 
to Washing- 
ton that sea- 
son. I called 
that after- 
noon and 
was met by 
Cassie, who 
had been aj)- 
prised by her 
father of his 
invitation. 

She seemed embarrassed at our first 
greeting, but it soon wore away and 
I found her even more beautiful and 
kind than ever before. When the 
Senator arrived he seemed delighted 
to see me, and at dinner was in one 
of his merriest moods. That evening 
a few of their friends came in and 


Cassie sang for us. Late that night the Senator and myself talked over the ordnance 
bill that had ))assed the previous spring so favorably to myself, and planning new 



40 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


moves necessary for its general introduction into tlie navv. That su2:2;ested a 

•/ O e o o 

matter of painful recollection to me, and I said : 

‘ * I saw an annonncement last fall, Senator, that yon were to liave^a member 
of onr navy as a son-in-law.” 

‘'Where did yon hear that ^ Yon mean Sumner? Yo ; that was only a 
little newspaper gossii).” 

I conld have hugged the old gentleman. I mentioned that Avas where I had 
seen it — in some newspaper. 

“ ISTo, Daly ; the right man has not come along yet. She is a jewel for some 
man, but since her mother’s death the thought of her leaving me is painful, bnt, 
sooner or later, it is bound to come.” 

The following afternoon a sleigh-ride was proposed by Cassie. The Senator 
had said at lunch that he would not be back until late. 

On entering the sleigh I noticed it to be the same one that I had seen on that 
memorable occasion the year before. Onr ride was delightful in itself, bnt I 
think we Avere both ill at ease. By some lucky intuition we again passed the sj)ot 
AAdiere 1 had first seen the sleigh and the little mittened hand thrust out before 
me. Glancing nerA-onsly at Cassie, I noticed a slight tinge of crimson on her face. 
She laid her hand coyly on my arm and the tinge deei3ened as she said : 

“It AA^as here I treated yon very unkindly a year ago.” 

“ Yon held it toAvard me then — and now, darling, will you not give it to me 
to keep f orei^er ? ’ ’ 

And as I clasped the little hand in mine, it laid there a Avilling prisoner, 
and her tears told me a story far more delicious than I ever Avildly dreamed of. 


“I knew before yon were through that Cassie, yonr Aidfe, Avas the Senator’s 
daughter. But yon might have told ns that before,” said Madge. 

“ Th*at would have spoiled it all,” said Mrs. SnoAiMen. 

“That is a very fair story, James, bnt I guess you colored it up a little,” 
remarked Mr. Carlisle. 

“No; Cassie told me about the sleeping-car scene — told me long before she 
kneAv Mr. Daly” — said Mrs. SnoAA-den. 

“ Oi think Oi Avnd a tnk that yarn wnz Oi idditnr av a noospaper,” came 
from the brake-wheel. 

“It’s one’ clock — let ns go to bed,” said Mrs. SnoAvden, yaAvning. 


I 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS 


41 


The connections the Chicago & North-Western Railroad make^ at Milwaukee 
with other lines are so varied that any of the hunting and fishing resorts of Michi- 
gan, Wisconsin, or any part of the Northwest, can be reached from here. The 
Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad probably reaches the most famous of 
these resorts. 

When I awoke next morning I found the car was moving. Knowing of these 


varied routes, and not hearing from the Senator what were his further plans, I had 
no idea where we were going or in what direction. This was one of the enjoyable 
things of the trip — a Bohemian existence, not knowing when you laid down one 
night where you were going to wake uj), or where you were to sleep the next 
night ; a full consciousness, however, that the larder was well supplied. I 
dressed quickly, and when I raised the curtain found that it was raining heavily. 
The rain would keep us in-doors, but it would be a relief to us by way of cooling 
the atmosphere and laying the dust and make traveling more comfortable. I 
glanced at my watch and found, to my surprise, that it was nearly noon. Upon 
entering the car I was greeted by the rest of the party, who were at breakfast: 

You were sleeping so comfortably, dear, that I disliked to wake you,” said 
Cassie. 

‘A think from appearances, if this is not dinner, all of you overslept your- 
selves,” I said. 

This is a grand morning to sleep,” remarked Mr. Carlisle. “ I think there 
must have been a narcotic distilled from that story of yours last night, Daly.” 

“ What story was that, James? ” asked Cassie. 

Oh, he told us the nicest story, Mrs. Daly, last night,” said Madge. ‘‘ It 
was about a gentleman who was riding in a car — a sleeping-car, and when he 
awoke in the morning he saw a beautiful white hand dropped from the upper berth 
— but the gentleman was uj) earlier that morning than he was this.” 

‘‘ James ! did you tell that ridiculous thing again ? ” 

It was not ridiculous — it was nice,” said Madge. 

'' By the way, Senator, where are we ? I have not the faintest idea of the way 
we are going or where we are,” said Mr. Carlisle. 

'‘We are coupled to an extra freight and are going nearly west. My inten- 
tion was to spend the day at Waukesha. We will be there soon as it is only a 
few miles from Milwaukee.” 

After breakfast the various members of the party sought different amuse- 



THE CAMP 


( 42 ) 





THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


43 


meiits. The ladies went to the piano and sang, and the gentlemen gathered in the 
observation room to smoke and read the morning’s papers. When Waukesha 
was reached, we were given a track to ourselves. The rain still continued, 
harder than before. The confinement grew a little irksome, with no change in the 
scene but the monotony of car tracks and switches. Had it not been for the cozy 
little depot, of which Madge made a sketch, the view would have been indeed 
dreary. 

Along in the afternoon the rain stopped, and in a short time the sun shone 
out bright and hot. The carriages were at once ordered and we made a circle of 
the beautiful town, stopping at many of the springs. Many acquaintances from 
the East and South were recognized by the various members of our party. At 

the Hotel, the Senator saw an old senatorial friend. On driving up to the 

sidewalk and calling him by name. Senator Blank was surprised and delighted. 

^^But,” he said, ^Mt’s nothing surprising in Hanna; he turns up where 
least exj)ected. By the way, why can you not bring your friends to the party 
here to-night \ I desire to see Dr. Snowden and his wife very much. I am sorry 
they did not follow you in their carriage.’ ’ 

‘AYe will come, but you must come and see us.” 

“Where are you stopping? ” he asked. 

“Oh, we have rooms over near the water-tank at the depot,” the Senator 
answered. 

Senator Blank looked sliglitly puzzled, but as he bowed, he said: 

“ I shall look for you this evening.” 

While we were out driving, Mike put on his dress suit in preparation for 
dinner on our arrival; but we not returning as soon as expected he put in his time 
by meandering up and down the platform in Charles’ silk hat. That he created 
quite a sensation when the evening train from Chicago came in, is not to be 
denied. Finally one of the reporters of one of the Waukesha papers, who had 
seen Mike in some connection with the car, and thinking some foreign diplomate 
had landed at the Saratoga of the W est, approached him and asked some trivial 
question by way of making known his business. 

“ Presint yez card, me bye ! ” 

The younger man nervously fumbled through his pockets and finally produced 
‘ ^ Is that yez name ? ” 


one. 


44 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


Yez are sakin an interview, Oi slind take it. Cnin over till me spicial ! ” 
The reporter follov^ed him, and when they reached the drawing-room he 
imperiously seated the young man and pushed an electric bell. Sam appeared. 

Wild yez bhring uz a little what’ 11 ye have, me bye?” 

^'No, thank you — nothing for me.” 

‘ ^ W ell, yez Americans is iiecooler. Bring me — do yez hear ? — a dhrink av 
imj)hourted Oirish, an’ apple-enarus wather, and the young man here a cigar.” 
Well, yo’ got mo’ ” 

But Mike gave Sam a wink that he at once comprehended, and rolling his 
eyes in a significant way, but still suppressing his mirth, he said : 

I wus gointer say dat yo’ gots lots de shampane lef, an’ mebbe dat ” 

‘^Bhring me ordher ! ” Mike thundered. And off Sam went doubled up with 
laughter. 

Oh, jeminy! yaw, yaw ! Don’ I wish de ole boss git back and kitch him (yaw^ 
yaw)!” And he rolled on the kitchen fioor in his merriment. ‘^Oh, dat Irish is 
de (yaw, yaw !) — he’s too much ; I wish Mr. Jim come in.” 

While Sam was gone the reporter took out his tab and pencil and said : 

Are you on a trip for” Mike interrupted him by saying : 

^^Oi’m opphosed to yez takin’ me thoughts verbatin.” And waiting a 
moment said : Hoav have yez spilt me laslit worrud ? ” 

The young man spelled it out for him, and he continued : 

^^But since me arrival in the United Sthates, Oi must confiss that me opposi- 
tion has been useless. Thravelin as Oi am, in sake av rist from me arjuous 
juties as the Queen’s ambassador av Oireland, Oi am delighted at the progress 
and beauty that characterizes the Wistern Impire. The Jook av Connot is 
thravelin in-cog-no-to. Wus it otherwise, he wud loike till mate inanny av his 
waiTum friends.” 

Sam brought in the whisky and cigars on a tray, and dropping them some- 
what unceremoniously on the stand, rushed out of sight, and again rolled on the 
floor in the agony of his mirth. 

^ ‘ What did Oi say before the interru j)tion, me bye ? * ’ 

^ ^ Meet many of his warm personal friends ’ ’ 

Yis, his warrum friends in — in — phwat’s the name av this place ? ” 
Waukesha.” 


THE LITTLE BLIED GOD ON RAILS. 


45 


Wamim friends in Wankeslia.” 

Yes ; thanks, Duke, I have it. Now again, are yon traveling alone ? ’’ 

‘^Oi have me soote wid me. At j^risint, they bez dhrivin’ over yez bntche- 
ful town.” 

And Mike rose, handed the young man a cigar, and bowed him ont of the 
door — not a minnte too soon, as the carriages drove np, and we alighted on the 
13latform. As the young man passed ns I noticed that he stared at the party, 
and saw him make a memorandnm on his tab. 

When the reporter left, Mike placed the silk hat on its rack, and going to 
the kitchen door said : 

Oi’ll mnrdher yez, if yez open that jaw av yonrs.” 


46 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


CH/IPTE-R III. 


“ They drift down the hall together, 

He smiles in her lifted eyes. 

Like waves of that mighty river, 

The strains of the 'Danube’ rise.” — Wheeler. 


R. AND MRS. SNOWDEN, the Senator, and 
Madge and Charles, went to the hotel party in the 
evening for a short time — the elderly people to 
meet Senator Blank ; the young people for a waltz 
and a moonlight stroll home. 

The flirtation that Madge and Charles were engaged in was 
noticed and gossiped over in the car. It was rather a con- 
tinuation of an old flirtation after an interval of many 
months. At St. Augustine, the winter before, they had met, 
and were the subjects of some little excitement for a season. 
One evening they took a rowboat for a few hours on the 
water. They had gone farther out than was expedient, Avhen 
a breeze came up that made the sea choppy, and, by some mishap, Carlisle lost an 
oar-lock. The breeze freshened and they were in danger of being carried further 
out, but he broke the handle off one of the oars and used it as a paddle. After 
five hours of exhaustive work, shore was reached some miles north of St. Augus- 
tine, and it was late at night when they again reached the hotel. Carlisle was 
nearly worn out, and Miss Blount quite exhausted from fear and the long, tiresome 
walk. In the meantime they were missed and known to be on the water. Search- 
ing parties were sent out, and the excitement increased as hour by hour went by 
and no word from the missing ones. When they returned they found their friends 
at the hotel in an hysterical frame of mind, but their safe return made them the 
heroes of the hour. Their sudden and unexpected meeting in the car had added 
another romantic link to the chain. The closeness of our social relations, making 







I I. 




O' I 


III’ 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


47 


ns in reality a big family, bound them to each other by natural affinity, artd they 
were improving the situation. 

Senator Blank accomj)anied Senator Hanna and Dr. and Mrs. Snowden home 
from the party. They were soon followed by Charles and Madge. Some fruit 
and wine were served, and Senator Blank I’emarked as he departed that he 
believed he preferred “rooms over by the water-tank ” to any accommodations in 
the citv. 

Early next morning we went on a few miles further, changed to another divi- 
sion of the North-Western, running north. Shortly after dinner we reached 
Fond du Lac, and continued up the west shore of Lake Winnebago, through Osh- 
kosh, until we reached Neenah, where we side-tracked. 

The Senator had been occupying his time since dinner in arranging and fixing 

his rods. He was delighted at the prospect of the addition of a fried black bass to 

« 

his morning meal. Securing a conveyance we drove over to the Roberts House 
on Governor’s Island, one of the resorts for fishermen the world over. The 
Senator, my wife and myself, lost no time in getting into a boat, and with Tom as 
our oarsman were soon out near the old light-house, and having very fair fishing. 
Charles and Madge, ever willing to be out of hearing except of each other’s 
voices, rowed out of the river into the lake a short distance and landed for a walk 
on shore. 

‘‘We have a partiality for rowing, I think, Charles,” she said. 

“And no special liking for a stroll on the beach; perhaps we had better go back 
to the boat again,” he answered. 

“Oh, no,” she said. “This is not a matter of compulsion, but recreation. 
Compulsion is irksome and recreation pleasure. Had we been compelled to come 
ashore we would be devising some means to get back or to get home. By the way, 
do you notice how often we use the word home for our car ? There is nothing to 
suggest home about it — a car on wheels, changing its position every day; but 
then it is our home, and how delightful it is.” 

“Home is what you make it. I can imagine a man can make a home any- 
where that fortune might lead him, and no matter what the conditions are, if he 
is prosperous he will be content and hapjDy in that home. As it is with me, I am 
happy in our Pullman, because I am delighted to be anywhere where you are.’' 

“ Charles, you are a flatterer, and now you are getting sentimental.” 

“Oh, no, 1 am not. But there is, or seems to be, a kindred feeling — similar 


» 


48 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


likes and dislikes between ns — that ma.kes ns clinmmy and companionable. I 
have often wished yon could smoke ! Now, that is a strange idea, isn't it V 

The idea of a woman smoking,” she said, with an expression on her face 
that betokened disgust. ^ ‘ How on earth would that improve your respect for me i ’ ’ 
‘A do not know as it would improve my respect, for that is very high 
already ; but yon being a woman, and, if I understand you aright, you know 
nothing of the comx)anionableness that tobacco gives to men, therefore can not 



understand Avhat pleasure it would be to me to take out two cigarettes, like this — 
see — and say: ‘ Let’s have a smoke.’ ” 

Then I would say, ‘ Thanks, Carlisle. Gimme a light ! ’ I suppose,” she said, 
laughingly, at the same time taking a cigarette from his hand. 

‘^And I would say, ‘Certainly, Madge,’ and light a match like this, and 
hold it up to you for a light, and you — well, you know how it is done, don’t you ? ” 
“Oh, I hope no one is looking,” she said, glancing back nervously. “And 
I thought you would be shocked if I ever mentioned it, but I have been actually 





THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


49 


losing flesh because I have not had a cigarette since we started. This is the only 
bad habit I have.” And as she spoke she held the cigarette out, and knocked 
the ashes off with her Anger. 

Charles looked delighted, and as he watched her puff away like an expert, 
he said : 

‘‘Now we will be better friends than ever.” 

^^'But you must say nothing about this to Mrs. Snowden. She is my 
chaperone, and would be shocked. She would think this escapade highly 
improper.” And as she spoke, she led the way back to the boat, in which they 
returned to the hotel. 

Dr. Snowden and Mr. Carlisle Ashed in the river opposite the landing with 
no success. When we returned with quite a sui^ply of black bass and pike 
they were as contented as if they had caught them themselves. It was late 
in the evening when we reached the car, all of us ravenously hungry, but 
no supper had been prepared. Sam supposed we had taken supper at the 
hotel. As to Mike, he did not know where he was. AYliile we were talking, 
that worthy came in with a string of black bass and shad that was all he was able 
to carry. 

‘ ‘ Where did you get the shad, Mike ? ’ ’ said the Senator, excitedly. 

Oi ? Will, or 11 tell yez. Afther yez wint away Oi found wan av yez bist 
rods layin’ wid a reel on in the car here, an’ Oi put ed together an’ wint walkin’ 
down the thrack to the dam we j)assed cummin’ up, an’ Oi mit a chunk av a bye, 
an’ Oi axed him : Sez Oi, ^ Doz yez want till earn a quarther ? If yez doz,’ sez Oi, 

^ show me the bist place for anglin’ in the strame,’ an’ he tuk me till it. Oi wint 
onto an ole bridge down a ways, and by craping over the boords we kim to a 
black lookin’ hole in the strame, and he sez, ^Here it is; gimme a quarther.’ 
Oi sez, ^ How doz Oi know yez earned the quarther ; Oi aint got a fish’ ; an’ Oi sez, 
Won sthay here, and whin Oi go back you’ll git another quarther for carrying av 
the fish. Loock ! Oi had it, but it aint the fun it wud be if yez had to bees 
dodgin’ the game-keeper.’ ‘ Faix,’ the bye sez, ^annywan can angle allheloikes. 
There is no sphort in that.’ ” 

But the shad, Mike, the shad ? ” said the Senator. 

‘ ^ Oh, yez ; I asked the lad, the first wan av thim that Oi got, sez Oi, ‘ Phwhat 
wuz that thing ? ’ an’ he sez, ^ That’s a shad ; they wuz planted here some years 
ago’ ; the ijea av the kid ! ” 

4 


50 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


‘‘ Say, you ! I wants that fifty cents,” was heard from outside, and Mike 
looked at the Senator, and said : 

^ ^ They bees worth it. ” At which the Senator, with a smile, drew the coin from 
his pocket and handed it to Mike, who went out to the boy. 

When Mike returned, Sam raised the kitchen window and handed the boy a 
sandwich, which he eagerly took. 

Say, kid ! did ole Irish ketch them fishes ? ” Sam asked. 

Naw ! he buyed ’em frum me at de dam,” and off he went in the darkness. 

When supper was served that evening a more ravenous lot never sat doAvn 
to a table. The black bass and shad, fried in an inimitable manner by Sam, were 
washed down with Chateau Yquem. 

When the company had retired to the drawing-room and Sam and Mike 
were eating, the former could not forego the pleasure of saying: 

De fish hatched wid a silber bait wusn’t bad eatin’, is dey, juke i ” 

‘ ‘Aw ! Go aisy . If yez give away phwhat yez knows about the interview yez 
will wish yez wuz back in Afriky.” 

“How about de fishin’ ? Dat boy mus’ bin lyin’ when he tole me he sole 
yo’ dem fishes ! Of cou’se he wus lyin’ ; of cou’se ! ” 

“ Av coorse he wuz lyin’, av coorse,” said Mike, not wishing to continue the 
subject. 

In the drawing-room that evening we had some music, in which Madge, 
Cassie, and Charles participated. The Senator, while listening to the music, was 
abstractedly turning the leaves of a book that belonged to some one of the party, 
and it was noticed that he had stopped suddenly and was reading something that 
was written on a blank leaf. When he finished it, he said : 

“I think the Muse and Pegasus have had a runaway some time since that 
hand story was told the other night. Listen to this : 

Oh, little hand so fair and white, 

So finely moulded, smooth, and slender. 

When first you came within my sight, 

All else gave way to feelings tender. 

And though you seem so small and slight. 

You bound me fast — a sweet oppressor. 

And peace I knew not, day or night. 

Until I of you was iDOSsessor. 

“Well, now, I think that is very fair poetry — in a gentleman’s hand, too. 
Own up, now. Who did it ? ” said the Senator. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


51 


Oh, I saw Charles writing in that book yesterday,” said Madge. I think 
that is splendid. I want yon to own np, too.” But Charles, looking a little 
confused, began playing on the piano. 

The Senator had taken out his pencil and saying he would try his hand at 
it, read us shortly the following : 

I have heard of a hand 
That is much in demand, 

A hand that comes always in place. 

It’s not dimpled or white, 

But it’s beautiful, quite — 

I refer to four kings and an ace. 

” Quite hand-some poetry,” I remarked. And from the dining-room, by way 
of remonstrance, we heard from Mike : 

^ ^ Aw, rhats ! ” 

Before going to bed, the Senator announced that we would be coupled to the 
early morning train, and then proceed on toward the Iforth. We breakfasted 
next morning while passing Menominee ; at ten o’ clock we reached a small 
junction station called Powers. AVe were here transferred to the Iron River 
Branch, and ran on between the walls of tall and dense forests, which, after some 
hours, opened out into the mining town of Florence. Here an old-time guide, 
Charley, was ready with his boat, built in sections, heavy and strong, for shooting 
the rapids of the Brule. Another hour’s run, hitched to a rough iron-ore 
train, brought us to Rocky Cut — an excavation in the granite for the road- 
bed, below which the beautiful river of the forest tumbles and eddies in rocky 
rapids. 

It was arranged that we should go into camp here, and send the car back to 
the nearest side-track, a mile away. Charley had brought out three tents, camp- 
stools, and cooking utensils. AA"e expected to leave the ladies in the Pullman, 
but they would not hear to it. So the tents were set, and carpeted with hemlock 
boughs, and fur robes, blankets and quilts, pillows and towels, soon made them 
look cool, comfortable, primitive, and delightful. 

The Senator and myself were fitting uj) for an expedition which was one of 
the chief objects of the run out to Rocky Cut, namely, a deer hunt on Chicagoan 
Lake, which lay two miles back through the forest from the river ; and at five 
o’clock we started with our rifles and blankets, leaving the Carlisles in charge of 
the men and camp. Their camp-fire was sending up billows of flame, and the 


52 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


cooks were busy preiDaring for supx)er, but we knew a thing or two about Chicagoan 
Lake, and were deaf to their entreaties to wait for something to eat. 

After a short walk up the railroad track we struck the trail to the lake. W e 
reached, about dusk, the camp of Indian Edward, whose acquaintance dated back 
some years. AVe found him at home ; his squaws making baskets, while he Avas 
mending a rent in a birch-bark canoe. There was no expressed surprise on his 
part at our sudden appearance. He merely looked up from his work, and said: 
Hello, ole man ! Hello, Jim ! ” 

He always called the Senator ‘‘Ole man,” a name he had gwen him some 
years before, the first time he had guided us. The squaws Avere, liOAA^eA-er, 
talkatiA'e, and at once began preparations for our evening meal. EdAvard came in 
shortly and said: 

“Good night shoot ’em deer; no rain. AAdiere pack ? ” 

We explained to him how Ave hapj)ened to be in his neighborhood, and about 
the car, at AAdiich he looked disappointed. He finally said: 

“ Let em car an’ squaAvs go. Stay ’em month ; big many deer ; bully fishen ! 
Got big deer las’ night.” And as he said this, he held up his outspread fingers to 
emphasize that it was an extraordinary big buck. AA^ e told him that Ave could 
only stay one night this time, but must have a little fresh venison to eat. 

“ Git one if ole man shoot ; you miss ’em las’ time,” referring to a shot I lost 
the last night on the lake, the fall previous. 

“That’s it, Edward; it takes us old felloAv^s to shoot,” said the Senator. 

“ You bet, ole man.” And to the squaws: “ Got ’em supper ready ? ” 

AVe sat down to an excellent supper of fried trout, bacon, venison, and corn 
bread. 

“You knoAv hoAv to cook, Dongua ! ” I said to EdAA^ard’s AAufe, at AAdiich she 
looked pleased and replied: 

“You not got good geego (fish) in Checogon C’ 

“ No ; the fish there is out of the Avater too long. ’ ’ 

AA^hen he had finished his supper, Edward trimmed the lamp and placed wolf- 
skins in the canoe for us to kneel upon, seated us comfortably, and taking his 
short jiaddle sat up in the stern, and Avith short rapid strokes sent us out over the 
marvelously transiiarent and glassy water. The sun had gone doAvn, but the 
dark forests were drawn in black upon a sunset sky of suiireme splendor. The 
loons were laughing in the shaded bays, and a belated Avliipiioonvill set his forest 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


63 


cove to ringing with liis whip-like note. Straight on the canoe went, not varying 
a hair from a trne line across the water. 

About four miles brought ns to narrows in the lake, when suddenly Edward’ s 
oar stopped and the boat shook slightly. The Senator seized his rifle — too late ! 
A flne buck disappeared quick as a flash in the dense shadows. 

Reaching the foot of the lake, we landed, lighted a small Are, and lay down 
on the brown carpet of spiky pine leaves and waited the orders of Edward. AVe 
smoked, told hunting stories, and made guesses about the night’ s sport till an hour 
or two had gone by. Then Edward rose, recited a rune in ChipiDewa, and bowed 
to the woods. Turning, he recited another, and bowed to the water. 

'‘Good luck, ole man. Good luck, Jim. Getum big buck. Good medicine.” 

To a person unaccustomed to the utter stillness that characterizes these 
northern lakes, the silence seems painful. To us, coming from the rattle and 
noise of a railroad, the silence was welcome. At we sat on the bank of the lake our 
conversation gradually reduced itself to whispers. As it grew later we would 
occasionally catch the long prolonged cry of a wolf miles back in the dense 
timber, or the hoot of an owl, so low but so distinct that every inflection could be 
heard. Occasionally we would hear a splash of a flsh far out in the lake. Then 
again, with startling distinctness, a sound like a dipper of water being poured 
into the lake, a part at a time. 

“Hear ’em deer?” whispered Edward. “Down by las' point — half mile. 
Mebbe better go.” 

AA^e carefully took our positions — the Senator in front, with the privilege of 
the first shot; next myself, and lastly, Edward with the paddle. The lamp was 
placed on the bow of the canoe in front of the “jack.” The flame rose straight in 
the air. Hardly a breath of air was stirring. The bottom of the lake was of clear, 
white sand, and as the concentrated rays of the lamp fell upon it the water 
appeared white, and we seemed to be moving through a sea of molten silver. 

Edward took a direct course across the lake to a point we could just discern 
by the outline of the trees against the sky. 

It is useless to try to picture the excitment of hunting with a jack-light to the 
uninitiated. The intensity of the excitement is not to be comxDared to any other 
mode of hunting. Your world is within the halo of light; everything outside of 
that is utter darkness and silence. Your eyes are peering with all the intensity their 
nerves will allow. You expect to come on game every moment. Your hand 



THE SENATOR SEIZED HIS RiFLE— BUT TOO LATE. 


( 54 ) 



THE LITTLE BLIND QOD ON RAILS. 


55 


clutches the gun as in a vise. The shadows cast by the light as you move along 
disj)ort themselves into deer in all attitudes. The splash of a fish as he passes 
back from the circle of light, or the plunge of an otter, send a thrill to your finger- 
ends. The paddler behind sends the boat rapidly forward over the smooth surface, 
with no sound from the paddle or water. 

We had been moving thus for probably an hour, having made nearly the 
eastern shore of the lake, when I heard the Senator's rifie click, and saw him look- 
ing earnestly ahead. His outline was in silhouette against the light and I could 
see his every movement. Glancing ahead, I saw two small globes of yellowish- 
green light shining brightly in the darkness. The Senator moved on his seat to 
bring his rifie into position. Edward caught the movement and slowed the canoe. 
Slowly the Senator dropped the gun to a horizontal, anA I, glancing along the 
barrel over his shoulder, saw he had the gun pointed a few inches below the 
eyes ahead, and the gun held so firm that no variation could be noticed. One more 
stroke of the paddle and a line of fire broke from the Senator’ s gun, and a rej^ort, 
whicli seemed to fill all space with its reverberations, thundered around us. 

‘‘Got um, ole man? Course got um ! What ask that for?” said Edward, 
who, with a powerful stroke, sent the canoe into the grasses near the shore. 
“Course got um ! ” and he jumped out into the water and waded ashore. 
‘ ‘ Hear um kicken ? ’ ’ 

The Senator turned and said: 

“That was a very good shot, Jim; that was twenty yards, at least. What is 
it, Edward ? ’ ’ he called to the Indian on the bank. 

“JSTice, dry doe — fat — um bully breakfas’ ! Eh, ole man? Glad didn’t let 
boy shoot — he missum ’gain. Ole In jin an’ ole man git um, you bet! Eh, ole 
man ?” 

“We never missed yet, Edward.” 

“Take boy along — learn how some day”; and with a dry chuckle he lifted the 
deer into the canoe and got in himself. 

“ Mos’ awful cold to-night — git wet feet. Mebbe catch cold.” 

This was Edward’ s way of asking for a drink of whisky that he had just 
reason to believe he had earned. The Senator was expecting it, and passed 
back a pocket flask, which he drained. Then slowly twisting the cork on, he 
handed it back, saying : 

“ Better stay um month, Jim an’ ole man. Git um deer every night. Now 


56 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


light nm pipe an’ git home like h And grasping the paddle he took a 

direct course for his cabin. 

Before breakfast next morning we started for the camp, Edward accompany* 
ing ns carrying the saddles of the deer lulled the night previous. We arrived at 
camp before any of the party had arisen, but soon had the fires started and called 
the ladies up. All made their toilets at the river side, dipping their hands in 
the running water. The Senator busied himself in cutting and peeling long slen- 
der limbs of birch, each of which he split about six inches up at the smaller end, 
and into each inserted a shapely bit of the tenderloin of the venison. 

ladies,” he exclaimed, ^‘you each must toast your own breakfast”; 
and he flew around putting a toasting-rod into the hand of each lady and gentle- 
man, and then calling loudly for pepper and salt. 

Season to suit yourselves,” he said, and cook to your taste.” 

When the cooks had the coffee and ash-baked potatoes ready, the Senator 
insisted that the venison must not be taken out of the sticks, but be eaten primi- 
tive fashion, by biting it off. There was great hilarity, but at the first taste Mr. 
Carlisle exclaimed : 

^ ^ The sweetest morsel I ever ate ! ” This was responded to in chorus, and a 
vote of thanks tendered to the Senator. 

Madge sat on a camp-stool with the lid of a cracker -box across her knees for 
a table; her venison-toaster, with its savory morsel uppermost, leaned against this 
extemporized tray. Charles sat on a birch log two yards away. She bit off a 
little of her venison with as clear-cut an arc as if her teeth were continuous 
blades, and then held it out on the end of the toaster to him, with, ^‘Have 
a bite.” 

He colored with pleasure, and then carefully bit out the whole of the arc. 
Tlie Senator poked me in the ribs with the handle end of his toaster, and said 
in a low tone, ‘‘Jim, that settles it.*’ 

“It would, if they understood Chippewa, Senator; but they don’t.” 
“Nonsense, Jim; a woman understands love lore in all languages. They no 
more have to learn it than that white-breasted sparrow has to learn to sing. Hear 
him ! Isn’t that sweet? See — see — see. ’ 

The Senator had increased the scope of his voice unconsciously from his 
aside to me, and the deepening pink in Madge’ s cheek showed that she under- 
stood, or at least suspected. But she turned to the Senator with — 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


57 


What a sweet note that is. What is it, Senator? ” 

Ask it, and it will tell yon,'’ he replied. 

‘‘Ask it ! Well, then. Who is it ? ” called out Madge. 

“It’s me-me-me,” came in i3laintive, long-drawn notes from the forest. 

“ It is yon, is it? Well, you are the loveliest sprite of the wilderness, who- 
ever you may be,” enthusiastically exclaimed the young girl. 

“ Ee-ee-ee.*’ 

“What is he saying now. Senator?” asked Madge. “You seem to be 
learned in bird language, and almost all other kinds. Maybe that is the name of 
his mate.” 

‘ ‘ He is contradicting your flattering remark about his loveliness, and modestly 
attributing it to some one else.” 

“ How is that ? ” 

“ Well, that depends upon who it is who hears him. To one he says, ‘Nay, it 
is she— she — she' ; and to another ‘ it is he — he — he.’ ” 

“ Senator, I didn’t know you were a poet,” said Madge, admiringly. 

“ Neither am I,” he replied. “I never seriously wrote a stanza in my life, but 
everything talks to me, and I know what everything says. That is why I dearly 
love these solitary wilds. Byron partly understood, but only partially, when he 
said : 

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods ; 

There is a rapture by the lonely shore; 

There is society where none intrudes 

By the deep sea, and music in its roar. 

That giant black birch has been talking to me off and on ever since we came.” 

“ What does it say to you. Senator ? ” asked Madge, as the blue of her dreamy 
eyes grew deeper. 

“ I cannot translate tree language into human language, dear, but that birch 
tells me that he is sad. Some trees are sad, some serene, some joyful, some gay, 
some worshipful. Look at that tall balsam down by the river side. That is a 
spire, so symmetrical and beautiful in form that there is nothing like it in human 
architecture. That is a sanctuary, and I can hear a soft chime of bells sounding 
in it.” 

Silence had fallen over the company, in which they were slowly flnishing the 
rural breakfast, when a low rumble coming up from the river valley awakened the 
guide Charley. 


68 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


‘‘Qveek! qveek!” shouted he, in his half French-Chij)pewa accents of 
English, as he flung his arms around wildly. “Boatisdere, efrysing is ready. 
Who’s goin’ ? Get ready qveek, whoefer is goin’.” 

“ Oh ! ” exclaimed my wife, “We are to go trouting and shoot the rapids, 
sure enough. Who’s going ? ” 

“You go.” “No, yoix go,” made a universal clamor in the camp. Mr. 
Carlisle and tlie Senator exchanged a few words, when the former called out : 

^ ^ Hello, guide, how many can you take ? ’ ’ 

^^One gentlemans and two lady,” answered Charley. 

'^Mrs. Daly,” said Mr. Carlisle, ‘'yourself and Charles and Madge will go. 
No more words about it. Cook, how about lunch for them ? ” 

By this time the long dull-red ore train had slowed up, and the guide was 
putting the sections of his boat into an ore-car, when out of the caboose rushed 
Mike, holding up three bottles in one hand and a basket in the other. 

“ Bedad, this’ll wet yer whistles, me purty birrds. I knowed that darn nagur 
’ud forgit the atin, more be the token it’s his bizness till attend till it. But here 
it is all riddy . All aboord ! ’ ’ and he swung his bottles as a conductor swings 
Ids lantern. 

Mike had stopped and boarded the train as it passed the switch where the 
Pullman was standing. The party were quickly in the caboose and the train 
disappeared around the curve. 

“Now, boys.” said the Senator, “ I move that we see what a variety of game 
we can have for dinner. Jim, take your rod and shotgun and go over to the 
lake. By a curious freak of nature there are Mackinaw trout in that lake. 
Take heavy sinkers and go for them in forty feet of water, and bring in some 
wood-duck. Carlisle, you and I will take the little 22 rifles and go after small game. ’ ’ 

By two o’clock we were back. I had Mackinaw trout, green bass, one large 
bass, four wood-duck, two butter-ball duck, and one mud-hen. The old gentle- 
man had one wild pigeon, flve wood partridges, two strings of squirrels, and a 
saddle of porcupine — just for variety ! This, with the venison and the trout that 
were to come, would make ten different kinds of flsh and game taken in the 
bountiful wilderness. The cook brought in a pailful of beautiful whortleberries 
and some wintergreen. 

We had partaken of a light lunch and were sitting smoking when a shrill 
voice came up from the river ; 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


59 


Oh, Jim!” 

It was the voice of my charmer in distress. 

Oh, Jim ! come quick ! ” 

I dashed down my cigar, sent the camp-stool flying, and went down that hillside 
about fifteen feet at a bound. There was the boat, and Charley, the guide, was 
tying her fast to a tamarack. There was the wife of my bosom sitting on a big 
bowlder, her drapery not 

Floating like light clouds between us and heaven, 

blit sticking as closely to her as the tresses of a mermaid stick to her back as she 
sits on a coral reef. Madge was sitting in the boat wet as Aphrodite. Charles — 
well, when he walked there was a ^^sqush, sqnsli” in his boots. 

^Mim,” said my sweet wife, we’re nearly all drowned, and though perhaps 
I could walk in these clothes a little, it would be nearly impossible ; so, Jim, please 
carry me into camp.” 

Charles Carlisle looked hungrily at Madge, but she did not return the silent 
observation. 

^‘Where’s my beautiful tackle-box, Cassie,” I inquired, ^ ^ and the rods and 
things C ’ 

^^Gone! Didn’t you see them come spinning down the river? The last I 
saw of them they were going into the first rapids uj) above where we are now. 
Gone, everything gone, except” — and here she smacked her lips — except our 
lovely lunch, and thank Providence, we had eaten that ! ” 

Ah, mon Dieu, all our beautiful trouts is gone ! ” sang out the guide Charley. 

Trouts 1 ” I said. You old dunderhead, you have nearly lost me my wife, 
and quite lost me fifty dollars’ worth of tackle. I say trouts 1 ” 

I picked Cassie up and started for the bluff. 

No, no, thank you ; I can walk,” came in very emphatic tones from behind. 

Wait, Jim,” whispered Cassie. Stoj), and let’s see the fun.” 

I sat down on a log facing the river with Cassie on my knees. Charles 
lent Madge a hand, and by keeping both feet together she managed to spring 
ashore, but the first attempt to step was a failure, and she would have fallen 
had not Carlisle, the lucky unlucky, saved her by a prompt encircling arm. 

Nonsense, Madge ! ” he exclaimed. I will carry you”; and he lifted her 
partly above his shoulder in such a way that the instinct of self-preservation from 
another fall brought her arm quickly about his neck. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


60 

Cassie screamed with laughter, and then, ‘ ‘ Good for you, Charlie Carlisle ! ’ ’ 
she exclaimed. “ You are a true man, every inch of you. Here I had to ask you, 



CAPITAL AT MADISON, WISCONSIN. 


old Jim, to carry me, and just see there at Charlie. He made Madge let him 
carry her,” and Cassie pnlled my ear, but slyly imprinted a Brule River damp 
kiss on my neck. Dear Jim,” she said ; was sure we were lost, and I never 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS, 


61 


expected to see you in this world again, dear,” and I felt something warm triik. 
ling down my neck. 

Never mind, Cassie. It’s all over now, and you are safe in your Jim’s 
arms. But how did it hapioen ? ” 

^‘You called the guide a dunderhead, and that’s just what he is. Why, 
the fellow was gawking around, and let us drift under a tree that lay along 
and not more than two feet above the water, just above the middle raj)ids; 
and of course the boat went over quick as a flash.” 

^^Well?” 

^^And then Charlie Carlisle got Madge and I good holds on the tree and 
helped us climb onto it. I don’t know how he did it, because I did not see anything 
but bubbles and flashes till I found myself safe, and Madge safe, too. The guide 
hung on to his old boat, and stopped it on some rocks, and baled it out with 
his hat, and then brought it back to us. But, oh, Jim ! that is the most beautiful 
trij) in the Avoiid — x^erfectly charming all the Avay down.” 

In half an hour the x>arty were warm and dry in fresh outfits, and j^ar- 
taking of every variety of the bounties of the forest, exce^Dting the creme-de-la- 
creme — trout wraj^ped in wet leaves and baked in the ashes. 

Young Carlisle was abstracted and silent that evening, but there was a light 
in his eye which showed that a bright and mightily x^leasant flame was sj)arkling 
within. He sat on some dry bark, with his back against a tree, and the jack- 
lantern beside him on a camjp-stool. It afterward apx)eared that he was inditing 
a dialogue between 

THE POET AND THE WHITE-BREASTED SPARROW. 

The Poet . Sweet sprite of the forest, unseen 

’Mid its canopies somber and green, 

Art thou Love that is baffled and crossed? 

Is the cry that we hear. 

So plaintive and clear. 

Sweet Love in the wilderness lost? 

Ah me — me — me ! 

The Sparrow : And dost thou not know, my sweet swain. 

That Love ’s the twin brother of Pain, 

And reaches the heart through a wound? 

I’m not Love that is crossed, 

I'm not Love that is lost, 

I am Love in the wilderness found. 

Ah me — me — me ! 


62 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


The Poet : Aphrodite was born of the sea, 

And so it has happened for me ; 

My white lily bloomed on the tide— 

Her sweet-breathed charms 
Floated up to my arms — 

Fate must have decreed her my bride. 

Blest me — me — me ! 

The Sparrow ; But nymphs who are born of the sea 

You know are capricious and free, 

And sometimes defiant of Fate. 

Remember, sweet swain. 

Like Rapture and Pain, 

That Love’s the twin brother of Hate. 

Ah me — me — me ! 

The Poet ; Sad sprite of the forest, thy song 

Is omen of pitiless wrong. 

And sweetly bemoaneth my fate . 

Too oft as with vou. 

The false wins the true — 

Love’s arrows are stolen by Hate. 

Ah me — me — me! 

The moon, which had been looking down through the trees, checkering the 
ground with flakes of white light, slowly disappeared below the hills. Charles 
Carlisle folded up his poem and gave it to Cassie ‘ ‘ as a little memento of the Brule 
camp.” The guide piled the camp-fire with dry cedar till the flames rose high. 
The Senator went into his tent, came out, and walked away into the darkness. 
In a few moments a slender spire of flame was seen rising rapidly on the hillside 
an hundred yards or more away. Almost before one could tell it there was a tree 
of fire fully an hundred feet high — a tree of fire complete, trunk, branches, twigs, 
and foliage. A shower of flakes of fire fell from it to the ground, as if the fire- 
tree were shedding its fiery leaves. While exclamations of surprise, wonder, and 
delight were rising quick and voluminous in camp, the splendid spectre disappeared 
almost as quickly as it came. 

‘‘ That is the Senator’s work,” I said. He always does it, and he will keep 
it up as long as he can find suitable trees.” 

And that is ‘ firing the black birch,’ is it, Jim ? I have heard you speak of 
it, but had no idea it was so splendid; but it is too bad to kill such beautiful trees 
for a moment’s pleasure.” 

Not at all, Cassie. It does not harm them a particle. Notice this small one 
here by the camp-fire. You see that it is covered all over with little curls of dry 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


63 


bark, small and tliin. They are the most inflammable substance in the woods. 
They burn so quickly and for such a brief moment that the living bark of the tree 
is scarcely warmed by the flame. There goes another ! ” 

Who would have imagined that there was so much of romance and beauty in 
these dark forests ? ’’ said Madge. shall remember them as red-letter days as 
long as I live.” 

Cassie was softly and unconsciously humming a tune. 

Sing it,” said Mr. Carlisle. Cassie did not pause, but increased the volume 
of her powerful and sweet voice in that weird old song of Tom Moore’s, 

“ They made her grave too cold and damp 
For a heart so young and true, 

And she’s gone to the lake of the Dismal Swamp, 

Where all night long, by her firefly lamp. 

She paddles her light canoe.” 

At the conclusion of the stanza the Senator’s strong baritone was heard far 
away on the top of the hill: 

“ And her firefly lamp I soon shall see 
And her paddle I soon shall hear; 

Long and loving our life shall be. 

And I’ll hide the maid in a cypress tree, 

When the footstep of Death is near ! ” 

And so the evening drifted away. The dream-life of the camp was ended. 
There was early rising and packing of our effects the next morning, and we left 
the guide Charley’ s tents standing, when the morning ore-train signaled in the 
distance. The Pullman came coupled on behind the caboose for our return to the 
main line. 

Indian Edward came down and bade us good-by, and as the train pulled out 
he said: 

“ Next time Jim get a shot. You get um — I only foolin’.” 

He stood in the middle of the track until he seemed a mere spot of black, and 
there we last saw him as the train turned a curve. 

We reached Powers station on the main line, in time to connect with the 
express, and were soon plunging along, with no rest in view until Ave reached 
Marquette. 

The Senator sat thoughtfully looking out the window as we sped through the 
forests, Avhen turning he said suddenly : 



THE RESCUE. 


( 64 ) 



THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


65 


‘'Jim, you have heard me speak of my old guide, Maginnis, have you not? 
AYell, the old fellow is dead, and I have some memoranda among my papers 
about him, the materials for a good story. ’ ’ The Senator arose, went to his room 
and returned with the memoranda in his hands. Closing his eyes in silence for 
a time, he thus gave us the story of 

“OLE MAGINNIS.” 


The old man sat by the large open fireplace, with a long hickory stick in his 
hand, with which he gave the logs a vigorous punch every few minutes, as if to 
give a special emphasis to his thoughts. The fire spluttered and sent its myriads 
of sparks up the wide, oi)en chimney. An interior view of the cabin showed a 
room of no mean dimensions ; the fioor was of puncheon, bare, except as a skin 
of bear or otter was thrown carelessly here and there. Two of these nearest the 
fire were occupied by two large hounds, an old one and a full-grown young one, 
which were dozing peacefully, with their large heads resting on their paws. Over 
the fireplace was quite an assortment of antlers, some of recent date, and others 
browned by age and smoke. An open cupboard was placed next to the wall on 
one side, with a few porcelain dishes of different patterns and designs, cracked 
and chipped ; an array of tin-ware and iron-ware placed on the lower shelves in 
order ; everything was scrupulously clean and neat. A series of shelves in one 
corner held quite a number of books. A man’s library, large or small, is a true 
indicator of his mind. Here was a well-worn copy of Professor AVilson’s 
“ Lights and Shadows, ” AValtons “Angler,” the “ Scottish Chiefs,” “Pilgrim’s 
Progress,” a volume of Spurgeon, a “ Life of Captain Smith,” the hero saved by 
Pocahontas. A book that was not fresh from nature, either in light literature or 
religion, had no charms for “ Ole Maginnis,” and for that reason, if there was no 
higher, the large Bible on the shelf over the fireplace was well worn. In the 
corner nearest the fire was a bed built of springy poles into the wall, and covered 
with hemlock boughs, which threw out a branch here and there from under a heavy 
blanket. Rolled up at the foot of the bed was a large robe made of wolf-skins. 
The i^illow was covered with a muslin pillow-case, with not a wrinkle in its sur- 
face, and dazzlingly white. At various iplaces on the walls were hung snowshoes, 
clothing, and steel trails. In what intermediate places were left, were pictures cut 
from illustrated newspapers and magazines. From the ceiling-rafters of huge 


66 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


logs, hung strings of jerked venison, a ham or two, some bacon, and from innumer- 
> able nails, driven as close as practicable, hung shingles cut wedge shape, over 
which were drawn skins of the mink, otter, beaver, and muskrat. Several bales 
of dry skins were also stored away in one corner. Two or three rifles of modern 
pattern hung around the room, while directly in front of the old man, resting 
against the chimney, was an old muzzle-loading weapon of large calibre, with a 
barrel fully a yard long. The stock extended underneath the barrel nearly to the 
muzzle, and was ornamented with silver-plated bands at regular intervals. A 
silver patch-box, highly ornamented, was set in one side of the stock. The 
shoulder-plate was an odd pattern, with the arms extended longer than necessary. 
The old man would occasionally glance at it with an approving look. His hair was 
white as snow, and hung in j^rofusion around his neck and over his shoulders. 
His face, smoothly shaven, had a very kind expression, and from beneath heavy 
eyebrows a pair of twinkling eyes shone wdth the lustre of youth. He was dressed 
in a neat-fitting suit of buckskin, the coat long and held tight to his figure by a 
belt, in which a short hunting-knife was placed. A powder-horn hung gracefully 
under his left arm. His leggins were of buckskin, tight-fitting, and fringed at 
the sides, while his feet were covered with fancifully-designed moccasins. 

He suddenly arose from his chair, and going to the window, looked out and 
said : 

^ ‘Well, Tige and Prince, this is kinder bad weather to be trampin’ ’round in, 
but I guess we’d better be gitten out and down to the camp. I’m out of some 
things; an’ do you know, Tige, we’d better git a little fresh meat for a Christmas 
present fer the ole man that comes up every fall huntin’. Wouldn’t he like a 
piece of young buck powerful now,” he said to himself; and then, addressing 
the dogs again: “There was a fresh fall of snow las’ night, pups, an’ you ain’t 
had a run fer some days; if you don’ take a little exercise ’casionally, you’ll 
begin to stiffen a little in the legs, like the ole man. Do ye want to go P’ 

The dogs, at his first word to them, had raised ux)on their haunches and were 
looking directly at him, as if they understood every word he said, and at his last 
question they jumped and fawned on him with every expression of delight. 

Throwing his bullet-pouch over his shoulders, he grasped the huge rifle like 
a plaything, threw it across his arm and went out, followed by the dogs, closing 
the heavy, barred door behind him. Leaning against the cabin was a large 
toboggan; he shook the snow from it, grasped the rope handle, and with a stride 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


67 


that kept the dogs on the trot, went away over the hill back of the cabin, then 
down through a hemlock swamp, and finally reached a long hardwood ridge, a 
mile, perhajDs, back of his home. He stopped suddenly on reaching the centre 
of the ridge, and said : 

“Now, pups, you see this ? You bin on that track afore — yes, you ought to 
know it, Tige; that was the buck that gin you such a toss las’ fall.” 

The old dog danced nervously around in the snow with the hair raised on 
her back as he spoke, while the pup stood watching the old dog, seemingly 
waiting for directions. 

The old man continued : 

“Now, Tige, you take the pup and go Tong steady-like — don’t you run away 
from him; he aint as old an’ got the go in him like we have, you know — and toiler 
the buck. I’m thinkin’ by the way the track runs, you’ll find him down at the 
old dam or near there. Circle him back over the barrens, and don’t chase him too 
fast; an’ when he gits back here I’ll be here with the old gun. You go ahead an’ 
commence yer singin’ as soon as ye see him.” 

The dogs, with that wonderful perception and instinct that had been attained 
through their long companionship with the old man, at the word of command 
started off on a slow canter; the old dog keeping the trail with head down, while 
the j)up ran alongside and slightly behind, watching every movement of the old one. 

After their departure Maginnis leaned his rifle and toboggan against a tree 
and made a short reconnoitre, and finally came back and moved his position a few 
rods further north to the foot of a steep incline, a high continuation of the ridge 
he was already on. The forests were asleep and there was not so much as a sigh 
of the wind to disturb their slumber. The giant pines wore crowns of snow on 
their dark crests. The white birch had lost its sheen by. contrast. The little 
curls of bark on the black birch each held up a miniature tumulus of snow. 
Silent as a j)icture in white and black, and yet with dazzling contrasts of white, 
black, and green. 

After a lapse of probably twenty minutes, a long, low, penetrating sound, 
resembling the noise produced by a conchshell, sounded through the recesses of 
the forest and reverberated over the hills. A second later the short yip ” of the 
pup was heard. The baying of the old dog, after the first sound from her, was 
continued at intervals, at times dying down to almost inaudibility as she went 
further away or down into some depression or valley. 


68 


THE LITTLE BLIND QOD ON RAILS. 


At tlie first sound from the dogs, the old man picked up his rifie and stepped 
forward a few paces near the trunk of an immense pine tree. The view he had from 
this place gave him a survey of the whole sidehill, broken only by the immense 
pines and maples. The expression on his face as the ‘ ‘ singing ’ ’ from the dogs 
was heard betokened intense excitement; his eyes fairly danced with pleasure, his 
gun was grasped firmly in his hands, and he stood so quiet in his tracks that not 
the slightest motion could be detected. Occasionally he would ejaculate to 
himself : 

‘ Isn’t that music ! Down they go; now they’re on Section 19. What’s the 
matter with the pup 1 Ole dog mus’ be goin’ too fas’ fer him; no, that’ shim agin.’’ 

The hounds now seemed to have the deer turned and on the back track. The 
baying grew louder and louder, while the “yip” of the pup kept time to the 
bassoon of his leader. The dogs were now on the opposite ridge, some four or five 
hundred yards away, following close to the deer. Suddenly the sharp ring of a 
rifle was heard from that quarter, which caused the old man to frown and say : 

“That’s one of ole Busky’s boys. I know it by the whanging of the gun. 
They’re too lazy to git their own meat, but are takin’ an’ ole man’s. If he killed 
that deer, I’m goin’ over to git him ; I aint goin’ to be beat out ” 

After the shot was fired, the dogs for an instant stopped baying, but before 
the old man could finish his sentence they commenced again, more furious than 
ever, and seemingly headed for the ridge. As the old man noticed this, the look 
of anger left his face, and he assumed the same expression as before. 

“Might ’a’ knowed he’d ’a’ missed him,” he whispered to himself. 

On the dogs came, closer and closer, but entirely hidden by the foliage. 
All at once the low hemlock boughs parted, and an enormous buck, with his 
antlers well laid back, came into view. As he plunged along the sidehiU; totally 
unconscious of any further danger, the old man brought his long rifle up, and, 
steadying it only a moment to catch the motion of the deer, fired. The buck fell, 
got up again, wavered a moment, and then fell helpless. 

“There is a Christmas dinner fit fer a king,” said the old man, as he brcuga;; 
the gun down and began loading it. 

The dogs burst into view, but kept at a respectful distance from the fallen 
deer until old Maginnis came up and bled the animal. 

“Well done, jmps,” he said, patting them caressingl}’. “ An ’ you, ole dog, 
are as good as ever, aint ye ? How did the pup do ? He did well, didn’t he ? He 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 69 

kep’ up, anyhow. An’ didn’t I make a good shot? See there! right through 
the fore shoulder. The ole man thought he might be losin’ his grip, an’ that his 
ole eyes were goin’ back on him, but they aint. I looked down the ole barrel 
like I did when I was a boy, an’ I confess, a might steadier, too.” This he said 
with a self-satisfied air as he proceeded to dress the deer as it lay. 


A low growl from the dog caused him to look up from his work, to see 
approaching him a young man, heavily built, carrying a repeating rifle over his 



shoulder. He was dressed in the costume usually worn by lumbermen— a flannel 
shirt, with a Mackinaw blanket jacket, heavy red woolen stockings, into which 
his pants were tucked, and heavy shoes. 

The old man, without making any sign of recognition, proceeded with his work. 
The young man stood awhile, eyeing the group, and then said : 

Well, pap ; you made a pretty good shot. Is he hit anywheres else ? ” 

‘ ^ W ell, he didn't say anything ’ bout it as he com’ erlong here, ’ ’ said the old man. 
‘^But yer might hunt around, if ye’ve lost any bullets, an’ see if ye can find ’em.” 





70 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


Seems to me yer gittin’ mighty peart in yer ole days, both in yer langwidge 
an’ yer shootin’.” 

The old man straightened himself np and said : 

Well, yon aint in either ! an’ what’s more, wdiat did yon shoot at this bnck 
fer ? By all the rnles o’ this neck o’ conntry, this bnck was mine — to hit him or 
to let him go. If ye are wantin’ a little venison, limit np yer own, an’ not come 
bro wisin’ ’round me. Yon got lots of timber to hnnt in without cornin’ over to the 
lakes ; an’ mind ye, I don’t want ye cornin’ over this ivay again.” 

‘‘Oh, now, don’t git mad, pap,” said the yonng man. “I wasn’t takin’ yer 
meat. I was cornin’ over to see yon, an’ as I was on top of the ridge, I hearn the 
dogs, an’ thinks I, there’ s pap’s dogs got loose, an’ this ole bnck come swingin’ 
np the ridge, an’ I couldn’t help it, pap, honest, I couldn’t! Bnt I wasn’t 
huntin’, anyhow. I was cornin’ over to see yon and tell yon there’s a box over 
to ‘ Camp 10’ for yon — come np las’ night on Jim’s team.” 

“A box! What-er kind of a box is it?” said the old man, forgetting 
his anger. 

“Why, it’s a pine box, like any ynther box, and it’s fnll of somethin’ and 
heavy, too ; the boys was wonderin’ what was in it. ’ ’ 

The old man said nothing farther, not wishing to betray his curiosity, bnt 
worked away dressing the deer. The yonng man laid down his rifle, and taking 
out his knife helped him. When they had flnished, the old man bonnd the 
carcass on the toboggan, and he and the yonng man grasped the rope and started 
in the direction of the White Biver camp. They had not proceeded far when the 
old man broke the silence by saying : 

“Well, now, yonng man, as yon ain’t hnntin’, yon did gin that bnck an’ 
awful close call ; see here.” 

He stejiped back to the deer, and holding np an ear showed the yonng man a 
bnllet hole throngh the centre of it. 

“Well, sure ’nongh, pap, bnt I can’t hold a gnn like yon — it aint natchn’l 
that I shonld. Yon been hnntin’ an’ trappin’ here long before Injin time, 
wasn’t yon ? ” 

“Well, yes; bnt that isn’t it ; it’s the gnns. Yon can shoot mos’ as well as I, 
bnt yon ain’t got the weepon. Now, I have a lot of them repeatin’ things that 
was given me, at my place, bnt they’re no good. I’ve been w^aitin’ fer a yeller 
dog to run ’crost these woods to throw mine at — bnt ole ‘Pennsylvania’ here, 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


71 


you know what goes in her, and she goes Jist where yon hold her. I carried this 
ole thing since ’48, an’ she never went back on me yet, an’ if the porkypines 
hadn't got at the stock one night, she’d be a beauty too. Why, do yon know. 
Bill, I could kiss this ole gun. When you have a thing ’ round you continually 
for a long time, it becomes one of the family, don’t you know ? I havn’t a livin’ 
kin as I knows on, bnt this ole gnn is kin enough fer me.” 

As the old man spoke he rubbed the barrel caressingly and patted it, while 
the tears rolled down his wrinkled face. Without saying anything further, he 
shouldered his old rifle, and again taking hold of the rope proceeded. 

The White River Lumber Company had commenced logging in the country 
adjacent to the mouth of the river. As soon as the pine was cut off they pushed 
further up the river, and each fall built a dam to collect the water, so that in the 
spring there would be sufficient to drive” the cut of logs for that season. 

^^Camp No. 10,” was at this time the last camp of the company. It looked 
like every preceding camp down the river. The houses, and barns, and blacksmith 
shop were all built of logs, with dirt thrown half-way up the sides for warmth. 
The barn was a huge structure, with stalls for forty head of horses and oxen. 
The bunk-house was next in size, a long, narrow building, with beds built along 
each side of the walls in tiers of two high. A very large stove was placed in the 
middle, and rude benches were scattered here and there. The ^ ‘ cook’s shanty ” 
adjoined this; this cabin was made with two rooms, the larger, the dining-room, 
with long tables on each side, and the smaller room was the kitchen proper. 

^‘Old Maginnis,” or ^‘Pap,” as he was called throughout the country, was 
well known at Camp 10,” and though reticent and uneasy when he was in any 
company, he would often call on the cook during the day, and over a cup of tea 
would learn the news from the outside world as it was brought to the mill by Jim, 
the teamster, or through the medium of a newspaper, which occasionally found 
its way thither. 

When he arrived with his load of game he was met at the door of the shanty 
by the cook, who, on perceiving the deer, said : 

Just the thing, pap. I’ve been wantin’ some fresh meat for a Christmas 
dinner. Now the boys will be tickled ! ” 

‘‘Well, hole on now. You don’ get any of this un,” said the old man. 
“This is fer a Christmas present to the ole man Cary what stopped with me a 
month last fall, an’ I want to put my mark on him, an’ have Jim take him down 



(T2) 




THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


73 


on liis waggin in the mornin’ an’ put him on the train. But here’s Busky; he 
kin git ye a carcass, can't ye, Bill ? That is, he kin if shootin’ ’em through the 
ears will fetch ’em, an’ that don't spoil the meat neither; does it, Bill ^” With 
a dry chuckle the old man stepped inside, while Bill, somewhat disconcerted at 
the old man's raillery, joined a group near the blacksmith shop. 

The cook bustled around the kitchen, pleased with the chance of entertaining 
the old man, and while he was sipping his tea, regaled him with all the choice bits 
of news that had been collecting for a week. 

^ • Pap ; by the way, there' s a box in the bunk-house f er you ; you' d better be 
gittin’ it open, an’ have some of the boys help you pack it home. What have 
you been gittin’ P' 

“Oh, it's most likely some traps I ordered o’ the ole man Cary, that’s just 
gittin’ here, but I won't open it ; I'll strap it on my sled and pull it home.” 

The box was brought out, the deer unloaded and hung up to freeze, and the 
heavy box placed on the toboggan and fastened securely with a few ingenious 
twists and knots, and purchasing what few things he desired, he bade them all 
good-by, and calling the pups, was soon lost sight of, dragging the box slowly 
over the snow among the trees. 

A few days later a letter arrived for “Mr. Pap Maginnis,” with the imprint of 
“Cary & Co., Importers,” in the corner of the envelope. The next day being 
Christmas, the cook took occasion to deliver the letter, also carrying with him, as 
a Christmas present to the old man, some choice bits of his cookery. He reached 
the cabin, and, without knocking, opened the door. There sat the old man in his 
chair, with a large book in his lap, while in his hands were held a baby’ s mittens 
and hood of finest texture, but yellowed with age. The box was open, and its 
contents of groceries, flannels, blankets, shoes, shawls, tobacco, books, and other 
things, were piled around it. The fire had gone out, and the dogs were shivering 
in one corner. 

To the cook’ s salutation the old man made no response. A closer inspection 
showed that the old man was dead. On his lap lay his large Bible, opened to a 
record sheet on which was written in a faded, cramped hand : 

“Departed this life, June 26, 1840, Mary Jane, the beloved wife of James 
Maginnis, in the 25th year of her age. ' Blessed are they who die in the Lord.’ ” 

“ Died, December 24, 1840, Mary, only child of James Maginnis, aged six years. 

‘The Lord chasteneth.’ ” 


74 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS, 

On the floor at his feet was a little note in a feminine hand, which read : 

Decembee, 22 , 188 . 

Dear Pap Magiis't^is : Papa was so busy he desired me to get ready what I 

thought would be nice and send them to you for a Christmas present. I am Mr. 
Cary’s daughter. I got some nice warm things for Mrs. Maginnis and the chil- 
dren. Papa did not say anything about them, but then he is so busy and cannot 
remember everything. We wish you all a merry Christmas. 

Your friend, Mary Cary. 

The allusion to his wife and children had touched a long silent chord in the 
old man’s heart, and while examining the box he had found the note, and had at 
once taken down his Bible and turned to the record, where the little baby mittens 
and hood had lain for years, and while looking at them fell asleej^. 


I 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


75 


CH/5PTDR IV, 



T two o’clock the same day, and jnst as we had 
finished dinner, we reached Marquette, on Lake 

mS Carlisle stepped out on the plat- 

form where the Senator was standing, and said : 
This is as far as we go. Senator. We must get 
ready to leave you. In fact, I hardly know how to thank 
you for your kindness.’’ 

^ ^ Go ! ” said the Senator. ^ ‘ Is this the place you started 
for ? I had forgotten it. ’ ’ 

This is the place,” Carlisle continued ; ‘A must get on 
up to Hancock for a day, and then return here and finish up 
Monday.” 

^‘Now, let me suggest,” said the Senator; ‘‘you do what 
business you have here to-day, and go with us up to Hancock. We go there the 
early part of the week. I have a nice trip planned for a day or so from here to 
the Pictured Rocks. You must not think of leaving us. I refer to both you and 
your son.” 

This plan was agreed upon, much to Charles’ delight. 

After the car had been side-tracked, Mr. Carlisle and Charles left to transact 
what business they had on hand. 

‘ ‘ Daughter, come on ! I want you to put on a warm dress and go for a fish. 
And you, too, Mrs. Snowden; will you not go ? ” called out the Senator. 

“No fishing for me. Senator Hanna ! It was you that made all that commo- 
tion and trouble at Brule River. No, thank, you” ; and Mrs. Snowden shook her 
fan threateningly at the Senator. 

“Can not James go along, papa ? ” Cassie asked. 

“ No; just you and I. The fact is, Jim will do all the fishing if he goes 
along, and besides, I have commissioned him to make arrangements for a tug 


76 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


to meet us at Grand Island. I think he has gone now; so hurry up and get 
ready. I wired for a boat and man, and they must be waiting for us.'’ 

Just then the boatman appeared at the car, and, addressing the Senator, 

i 

said : 

“If this is Mr. Hanna, I have my boat waiting, and am ready. You will 
have some rare sport, sir ; some fine trout have been caught this week” 

A carriage was called and Cassie and the Senator drove off. We all met 
again at supj)er. The Senator and Cassie were successful trout fishers, as a 
temptingly cooked dish before us testified. 

Dr. Snowden had gone for our mail and returned with something for each of 
us. Among the letters was one from Senator Blank, of Waukesha, saying : 

“I send you by this mail a copy of the Waukesha Gazette of this week, 
containing an odd item about the Duke of Connaught, who was reported to have 
been here some days ago in his special car, the ‘ Davy Crocket.’ As that is the 
name of your car, if I remember rightly, it is probably only a newspaper joke on 
you. I do not understand it, but send it to you for what there is in it.’’ 

The paper referred to was found, and the Senator opened it and read as 
follows : 

A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR. 

(Waukesha Gazette.) 

On Tliiirsday last Waukesha was visited by one of the most distinguished 
men of the British Empire, being none other than his highness the Duke of 
Connaught, the Queen’s ambassador to Ireland. The duke is traveling in his 
private car, the ‘‘Davy Crocket,” with his suite. They drove over the city Thurs- 
day p. m., visiting the springs, and in the evening attended the reception at the 

House. It was not known until a late hour that the distinguished party 

were present, and when they found they were attracting too much attention, 
they quietly withdrew. To our reporter, who called on the duke in his private 
car, he said he was averse to being interviewed, but that since his arrival in the 
United States he must confess that his opposition had been useless. He is merely 
traveling in pursuit of rest from his arduous duties, and is very enthusiastic over 
what he terms our Western Empire, and had he not been traveling incognito, 
would have been jjleased to meet many of his warm friends in this country. The 
duke spoke in glowing terms of our beautiful city. His highness is a man of 
medium stature, smooth-shaven, a man of rare intelligence and aptitude, and he 
is a good liver. His board is filled with plentitude of the rare vintages of this 
and his native land. His cigars are the best. May his journey be a happy one 
and his return a matter of short duration. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


77 


Wlien tlie Senator had finished he looked at us all with a puzzled expression, 
and we in turn looked at each other. 



That is just some newspaper yarn, to fill out a column on going to jjress,” 
Charles said. 

I replied I thought there was more in it than appeared on the surface, and 

asked that Mike and Sam be called in 
and have it read to them ; perhaps they 


could throw some light on the matter. 
They were in the dining-room clear- 
ing away the supper 
dishes. They came 
in with a frightened 
look on their faces, 
expecting, I suppose, 
something relating 
to the matter had 
turned up. 

The Senator said : 
‘‘Boys, do you know 
anything about 
this?” and com- 
menced reading the 
article. When he 
reached the line : 




DEVIL’S LAKE, WISCONSIN. 


“Being none other 
than his highness the 
Duke of Connaught,” 
Sam, unable to longer 
retain his equilibri- 
um, broke into an al- 
most uncontrollable 


fit of laughter. He doubled up and threw his arms over his head, and leaning 
against a partition ejaculated, as he could catch his breath : 

“Oh Lordy — dat Irish — he’s too much — de juke — juke ! ” 

Mike, in the meantime, hung his head and acted extremely embarrassed. The 



78 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


Senator continued reading, but was interrupted incessantly by bursts of merriment 
from Sam. When lie had finished, the Senator said : 

Milve, you boys know about this. What was it ? ” 

^ ‘ Oi wuz only givin’ the repourther av wan av tliiin noospapers a artickle ’ ’ — 
but nothing more would he say. 

AVhen Sam was able to give us an account of it, and went through the motions 
of Mike in ushering the reporter in, and his eft’orts at hospitality, we laughed 
heartily. The boys were dismissed by the Senator, with instructions to behave 
themselves in future. 

The Sabbath was spent quietly. The party attended the Presbyterian church 
in the morning. In the afternoon we took a walk over this beautiful city, while 
Charles and Madge rowed down to Presque Isle. Monday morning we were 
transferred to the D., M. & M. line and started east behind the regular train. 

The ride was a picturesque and jileasant one. Glimpses of the lake on the 
north were obtained now and then, and the air was deliciously cool. We side- 
tracked at a little station in the woods, and sx>ent the rest of the day in short 
excursions in different directions from the car. We retired early that night. 
Very early next morning a man appeared with several spring wagons, and after 
Sam had prepared two large hampers of provisions, the party left the car and 
took the wagons north to Munising, on Lake Sujoerior, opposite Grand Island. 
Here we embarked on the tug we had ordered down from Marquette, and started 
east along the south shore to the Pictured Rocks. Every foot of this locality has 
been described so many times and so often sketched, that the wonder is 
that it does not show its effects on the rocks. We enjoyed the day immensely. 
We did not go the whole length of this part of the shore, but gauged our distance 
so that we could return to Munising by nightfall. We did not reach the car 
until late that night, and were so tired that all hands went to bed soon after 
arrival. We were taken aboard the up train some time that night and returned 
to Marquette. In the morning, after some delay, we were transferred to the 
Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon R. R., and were soon on our journey again 
for Hancock. 

When the train reached L’ Anse, and was halted a little beyond the regular 
stop to fix something that had gone vTong with the engine, Charles and Madge 
stepped out on the platform for a promenade. They had gone several lengths of 
the platform when a party of several ladies and gentlemen drove hurriedly up to 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


79 


the depot. One of the gentlemen, on perceiving Miss Blount,' came quickly to 
her and exclaimed : 

Why, Madge Blount ! Where on earth did yon come from? Why, I am 
delighted to see yon.” Miss Blount blushed slightly, shook hands with him 
cordially and introduced him as Mr. Dennis, of Atlanta. 

heard you were coming north, Charlie, with your sister and some friends; 
but I never expected to see you in this out-of-the-way place. Why, there is your 
sister ! ” 

The two girls embraced each other cordially, and the rest of Mr. Dennis’ 
friends came up and were introducedull around. Their party consisted, besides 
Mr. Charles Dennis and his sister, of Mr. and Mrs. Graham and a Miss Putney, 
of Savannah. To inquiries, it was learned that Mr. Dennis’ j^arty were bound 
for Houghton, thence through Wisconsin on a fishing trip, and after that, away 
west. 

Senator Hanna, who had been seated in the car through all the commotion 
the young peoi)le were causing, now came out and said : 

' AVell, Miss Blount, you seem to be having a merry time.” 

Miss Blount said: ^‘Friends, I want to introduce you all to Senator Hanna, 
one of the dearest men in the world.” 

The Senator colored slightly at Madge’s volubility, but warmly greeted all 
the new friends. 

The train was delayed for some reason for which no one cared enough about to 
ask. After a time the Senator appeared and invited them to lunch, and they 
accepted. The table had to be lengthened out and a side-table set to accommodate 
the new arrivals. 

When the party were all seated it was found' that Mr. Dennis and Madge were 
unprovided with seats at the long table, noticing which, Madge said: 

Come over here, Mr. Dennis ! They will not have us with them. We will 
have a j)rivate table to ourselves.” 

Whatever young Carlisle thought of Miss Blount’s new friends, he did not 
like the cordiality and familiarity between Mr. Dennis and Madge. And though 
seated beside Miss Dennis at the large table, and being as sociable as possible, he 
could not refrain from glancing over in the direction of the small table occasionally 
and noting the subdued conversation carried on, and the evident pleasure Madge 
exi^ressed in meeting him. 


80 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


When dinner was finished and the tables were being cleared away the Senator 
spoke to Mr. Dennis and inquired how he happened to stop at such an nnproniis- 
ing bnrgh as L’ Anse. 

Dennis seemed in high spirits over the reception accorded to him by Madge, 
and yet he sought to suppress too full an acknowledgment of his happiness in his 
face. He replied : 

‘‘This is a dead old village, but it has what few of the mining and forest towns 
of this region have — its romance. We heard there was good trouting in this 
neighborhood — in fact, you can catch them right there off the bridge — and we 
stopped to try it. We took a team and drove around the head of the bay some 
ten miles, to a beautiful little stream that falls out of the hills into the lake, and 
soon filled our baskets. Now look across the bay, please, and you will see a 
clump of buildings. That is a convent. Its history goes almost back to the days 
of Marquette, and as we drove near to it, it looked ancient enough to be on the 
shores of Lake Leman. Those buildings which you see this way along the bluffs 
are an Indian village. Take your glasses and look into the lake a mile this side 
of the village — long reaches of gill-nets, and at the end a large net supported by 
four posts. This last is a fish pound. It is a great sheet of netting forty feet 
square, let down into the water like a bowl. The Indians put their catches of fish 
into it to keep them alive until they are ready for market.” 

MR. DENNIS’ STORY OF L’ANSE. 

The question at once arose in my mind why a convent so extensive should 
have been established in a wilderness place, so far away from any white popula- 
tion as this was when it was built. Its bell rang out over the calm Avaters and 
back into the deep forests, where there were none to answer its call to prayer, 
unless they should be the wild Indians. 

“There has been many a broken heart behind those Avails,” remarked our 
teamster — we rode in an open jolt-AA^agon, behind a pair of farm horses. 

“ Hoav is that ? ” I asked. 

“Well, sir, there is some mystery about that convent ; there most always is 
about such places, and people make it ujd out of their imaginations. It is said 
that it is a refuge or a place of penance for fallen nuns. It may have been so, or 
it may not ; and then the idea AA^as softened someAvhat, and it Avas said that it Avas 
a place of refuge from the cruel Avorld for fallen girls ; and if it Avere, sir, I should 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


81. 


think all the more of it. Yon see, sir, the world hasn’t any mercy for those who 
need it most — nor the church either, for that matter ; and so the only place where 
such could hnd peace was in the bottom of the river, or out there in the lake. 
There are two things I’ m thinkin’ that the world needs most to i)rovide for in 
these times — shotguns for betrayers, and mercy for the betrayed — where they 
are women.” 

The driver drew a horny hand across his face and lapsed into silence. There 
was more feeling in his tone than in his words, and I perceived that there was a 
real mystery in his breast, whether there were one in the convent or not. But 
til'* subject was changed, and we drove on, and at the end of two hours from the 
start, forded a clear and beautiful stream. 

^^Here we are,” cheerily said the teamster, as he sprang out on a little grassy 
plateau and proceeded to unharness and tether his horses. The others had put 
their rods together as we came, and immediately left the wagon and began the 
sport. Not three minutes had elapsed when there was a shout and Mr. Graham, 
there, swung out a beautiful three-quarter pounder. But I left my pair of lance- 
woods in the case and waited till the teamster was ready, when I told him to lead 
off, and 1 would follow. He soon struck a trail, which I was glad to see had not been 
tramped this year, and at the end of a mile and a half I heard that sound so 
joyful to a trouter, the music of a waterfall. I handed him one of my rods, and 
we soon had them jointed up, and the first fly I sent into the pool was responded 
to instantly. We kept well out of sight, and in an hour I had as many as I cared 
to carry. We sat down together on a fallen pine. I looked at him in silence for 
a time, and he returned my gaze with a glance. 

AVhat was it 1 ” I asked in a low tone. 

‘‘ What was what ? ” he responded, with a look of surprise. 

^'What was it in connection with the convent which gave you such a 
shudder of painful recollection ? ” 

'' Oh, my God ! ” he exclaimed, and covered his face with his bent arm, as if he 
would shut something away from his sight. ‘ ‘ I hoped that it w ould fade out, and 
that 1 would feel better, but it don' t. My arms ache longing to do something to undo 
what is done, and my heart aches. Stranger, I had a lovely wife not so very long 
ago. AYe rough men of the woods and mines don’t get credit for more than what 
is seen on the outside. But I had sense enough and grace enough to take that 
dear Avoman all into my heart, and what you may happen to see in me that pleases 


6 


I PLUNGED ALONG THE SHORE iN THE GATHERING TWILIGHT. 








THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


83 


you is the impress of my wife’ s soul and spirit on my mind and heart. But she 
died. Yes ; I will tell you the story. It is good to have human sympathy.” 

Pausing briefly to consider what was necessary by way of explanation to me, 
he resumed. 

Have you been up and over the point — over Keweenaw Point — north of the 
river ? No ! Well then, you should know that that whole country is strewn with 
the wrecks of fortunes, fortunes lost in the copper craze. There are villages — 
good houses — reduction works, machinery, everything abandoned and deserted ; 
good roads, bridges, tills — the whole a total loss. I was in that myself — thought 
I had struck it rich on a little stream that runs in not far from the light-house 
above Copper Harbor, and others thought so, too. You see that is on the west, or 
rather north — for the point bends east — side of the point, about ten miles from the 
eastern extremity. I j)ut all I had into the company and took charge of the men, 
built a comfortable pine-log house, and was hopeful and happy. There my wife 
died, and there she lies buried. 

^^My Nellie, all that I had left, was just stepping into womanhood. Nellie 
was beautiful — tall, fair, rosy, soft-eyed, the sweetest disposition, and she dearly 
loved me. Oh, how often, when I came in soiled from the mine and tired, she 
came running with a glass of water, or with slippers for my coarse feet, or 
threw her white arms about my tawny neck. I always knew I was not good 
enough for the love of such angelic creatures as Nellie and her mother. Oh, 
Nellie ! Nellie ! ” and he sprang to his feet and extended his arms as if to clasp 
her, and then lifting them, exclaimed, Oh, my God, have mercy ujDon me ! ” 

I was myself affected to tears by this uncontrollable outburst of grief and 
anguish. 

After a time he resumed, as if in a soliloquy: 

Yes ; his father was a good man, and is now, though his son was a devil. 
He palmed a sham marriage oif on her. Blind fool that I was ! It is I who am to 
blame. 

I think that Nellie’s mind was broken down by grief and weeping, first by 
his long absence, and worse than all when it came out that he had deceived her by 
a mock marriage, and would never i^eturn. I thought that her little babe would 
bring back some sunsliine into her heart, and it did seem to for a time, and then 
it seemed to become a constant reminder. 

‘‘We had a trim little sailboat, only a good-sized rowboat, but decked in at 


84 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


each end closely. She had a deep keel, a light, tough mast, good sail and tiller — 
a safe and beautiful sailer. Her decked-in compartments, fore and aft, were 
water-tight, and she would float, anyway. 

^^Now, wife and I were familiar with the country here around the head of 
Keweenaw Bay, and we used to talk about the old convent in Kellie’s hearing. 
Wife said that so long as a broken heart was bearable, it was better that it should 
beat in the convent than lie still at the bottom of the lake. 

‘‘Everything went to pieces on Keweenaw about the time my wife died. 
People were pulling up and moving off ; but Kellie and I staid, though there 
was nothing to stay for except Avife’s grave and Kellie’s broken heart. Except 
the few, here and there one, who remained, as I did, the whole point above the 
Calumet was abandoned, 

“ One morning of a June I awoke soon after sunrise and went to call Kellie. 
She Avas gone. Baby was gone. I called and called. My heart seemed to be 
freezing. While rushing about here and there I caught a glimpse of a boat 
through a rift in the trees a mile out at sea. I knew the sail. It was the Alice., 
and a glass showed me that Kellie was holding the tiller. The wind was from the 
north, and I soon saAv that Kellie Avas tacking, aiming to make the end of KeweenaAv 
Point. She had been so often out with me in the Alice that she could handle the 
boat as well as I could. About she came, inshore, rising and falling on the long 
swells, and then off again to the north. I shouted, even though I knew my voice 
would not reach her, and then rushed forward to reach the point, six miles aAA^ay. 
I i)lunged through thickets, dashed along the bodies of fallen pines, clambered 
over ledges of rocks, and at last reached the bar at the top of KeweenaAv. 

“The wind had gone down, leaving Kellie at the end of a northeastern 
reach which would have brought her clear of the land. I sat and Avatched the 
boat, which was two or three miles out, idly rocking on the water. She could 
have used the oars if she had chosen, but she did not. With my glass I saw her 
take up the babe and j>ress him to lier bosom. What little Avind there Avas drifted 
her back and further out to sea. Hours of agony passed. By going down on the 
east coast of Keweenaw seven miles, I could nave gotten a boat, but I dreaded 
to lose sight of her, and I knew that the steamer Peerless ought to pass that day 
betAveen the point and Manitou, and if she did she would pick Kellie up. Beside, 
I felt sure that Kellie would round the point and come down, probably near 
shore. So I waited and watched. The Alice Avas a mere speck, far out to the 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


85 


north, as evening drew on. But I saw the wind strike the glassy water beyond 
her. It was due north. The Avhite sail filled out. Southeastward she fiew. Oh, 
if she would only tack now and come down before the wind ! Though she was 
three miles or more out I put my hands to my mouth for a trumpet and shouted, 

^ Steer for the bar, Nellie ! Steer for the bar, love ! Here I am ! ’ 

At last the boat came about square before the wind, and went like a bird. 
Due south she went ; close along the shore of Manitou she seemed, but she kept 
right on, and at last tacked again southwest to follow the shore of Keweenaw, then 
due Avest. Thank God she was nearing the land ! I arose and plunged along the 
shore in the gathering darkness. I was Aveak from fasting and grief, and I 
stumbled and fell often. The last I saw of the Alice she was bearing inshore, but 
it became too dark to see. Fortunately, there was ahead of me a three-mile 
stretch of sandy beach, and gaining this I ran with all my remaining strength 
south westward along the shore, shouting as loud as I could ! ^ Nellie ! Nellie, dear ! 
come to land ! ’ 

^ ‘ About half way along that beach as I ran, I heard baby cry. I stoj)ped 
and listened. Right out from shore he was, not over a quarter of a mile away. 

‘ Nellie ! Nellie ! tack and come straight inshore. Here I am ! ’ 

‘‘No reply came back, but as baby kept on crying, I quickly perceived that 
the boat was keeping on her soutliAvestAvard course, though she seemed to be 
nearing land. 

“I rose and ran again, following the voice of the crying child as nearly as 
the Avater Avould permit me, and I was able to keep up Avitli it till the end of 
the sandy beach was reached. Here a bay ran inshore, and the bluffs were dense 
with pines and fallen timber. I managed to clamber the bluff and reach the cliff 
at the mouth of the bay, and paused to listen. Nellie’s SAA^eet voice singing a 
lullaby to baby — faint and far, fainter and farther, farther and more distant, and 
then only the low swash of the Avaves on the rocks.. 

‘ ‘ It AA^as not so very dark on the shore, but the moment I entered the forest 
it became pitchy dark. I must noAv go due Avest to get around the bay. I strug- 
gled with the underbrush and rocks, and AAdth the dry limbs of fallen trees, on 
and on, making but little progress. Hoav long this struggle continued I knoAv 
not. The last I knew of it I had hope quickened in me by seeing a star up in a 
rift of the pines. 

‘ ‘ I Avas awakened by a crash of thunder and a dash of rain in my face. So 


86 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS- 


stiff was I and so full 'of pain that it was a torture to move ; but I recalled the 
situation and sat up, and found a log to rest my back against. A quivering 
vibrant flash of lightning showed me the lake below, now rising into angry waves. 
The crash overhead seemed to go off southward in long, loud mutterings, follow- 
ing the wake of my dears. I prayed, O how I prayed, not for myself, but for 
my child and her babe. Then I rose, defying the pain, and tried to press forward, 
but found myself very weak. Fearing that I would go off again into insensibility 
from faintness or sleep or wdiatever it was, I stopped to consider. 

‘ ^ The summer storm had soon spent its fury, and as the clouds broke away I 
saw that the east was gray with the early June dawn. I sat down and waited 
until I could see, and then soon struck a good ‘tote-road’ which led to an 
abandoned mine, where I knew there was a family remaining, and a boat. 

‘ ' I pushed forward, arrived at their house, roused them, and before they had 
time to rise, I lighted a Are for making coffee, and in a little over a half-hour I 
was refreshed and we were off in the chase for the Alice, 

“We kept a keen lookout both inshore and out, and having only moderate 
wind, with occasional calms, when we pulled at the oars, we reached the mouth 
of Traverse River by the middle of the afternoon and stopped to inquire. Yes ; 
the keeper of the lighthouse had seen a boat scudding southward before the 
coming storm at the peep of early davm. She made as if she would come into 
port, so near that the keeper, in the dim light, with his glass saw distinctly a woman 
with the sheet-rope in one hand, the tiller in the other, and a babe lying across 
her knees. Then she put out to sea again, and very soon the clouds came down 
black and close, and the lake rose in combing seas. 

“ Such was the first news we had of the Alice and her precious cargo. Still 
I didn’t lose hope. I knew that Nellie knew the boat, and that the boat would 
climb almost any sea if she were held right. The only thing was to push ahead. 
Fortunately, a little steam yacht just then came out of the river, and we hailed 
her, boarded her, and Captain Wilson at once undertook the chase of the Alice, 
“We steamed alongshore slowly, examining every creek and nook. Nothing 
was seen till we came in sight of those Indian Ashing nets which you saw out in 
the bay in front of the convent. There lay the Alice on her side, lodged against 

the netting ’ ’ 

The teamster here choked up. 

“You recovered the bodies ? ” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


87 


V 

N-n-no, sir. This cold lake never gives iij) its dead.” 

^‘Nellie was trying to make the convent, yon think ? ” 

‘‘Undoubtedly ; and but for the storm she’d a-made it safely.” 

‘ ‘ But you say she jDassed the lighthouse all right ? ’ ’ 

“ Yes ; and the wind that was flying her then was the first puff of the storm. 
I think she would have ridden it out, anyway. But, you see, the poor girl had 
been out twenty-four hours then, already, and she had to hold the sheet-rope, 



and the tiller, and baby, too, in a rolling sea. She couldn’t do it. I reckon she 
let go the rigging to hold baby, and was knocked over. It may have been miles 
out. The Alice is decked in close, and she could not sink, and she drifted on her 
side up the bay to the Ashing nets.” 

During this pathetic recital, which Mr. Dennis gave with much feeling, the 
tears at times trickling upon his face, Madge completely broke down and her form 
shook with grief. 



88 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


It was evident that there was a. war of conflicting emotions in Charles Carlisle’s 
bosom. He could not resist the sympathetic force of the story, which was made 
intensely real by the fact that the fish-netting, the end of the fatal chase, and the 
miles and miles of the shore of Keweenaw along which the Alice had sj)ed, 
were in full view, and the calm monastery shone peacefully far across the bay. 

Carlisle knew instinctively that were Madge and Dennis alone, the situation 
would be fraught with danger to his hopes. Dennis told the story in the manly 
fashion that is not ashamed of a few sympathetic tears, and yet strong enough to 
defy overpowering emotion. Carlisle had read — and who has not % — how Genevieve, 
the ^ ^ bright and beauteous bride, ’ ’ was won under such a rain of sympathetic tears. 

Her bosom heaved, she stept aside ; 

As conscious of my look she stept, 

Then suddenly with tim’rous eye 
She tied to me and wept. 

But before Mr. Dennis’ story was finished the train had coupled and moved 
on. We were so interested that we scarcely knew when the scene of Nellie’s sad 
fate passed out of view. 

Hancock was reached that afternoon. Mr. Dennis and his party went to the 
hotel, promising to return and spend the evening at the car. When they had 
gone the Senator said : 

Here we are at the end of the line, but not at the end of our resources. We 
do not desire to go back through a country that we have just seen, as that would 
be monotonous. I have an idea, a little odd, perhaps, but I will not let any of 
you know what it is until I know of its practicability.” 

‘‘Now, Senator, why do you excite our curiosity and then not gratify it ? ” 
said Madge. “ That’s real provoking.” 

“You will all know in time,’' he replied. “ To-morrow we will visit some of 
the large copper-mines, while we will leave James at home to further my idea, if 
possible.” 

The Senator had given me a commission, the oddest one, as he said, that I 
ever heard of, and 1 was afraid I would be taken for a lunatic. As soon as the 
car stopped I lost no time in commencing what I sux)posed would be a useless task. 
I called on several vessel owners, but their boats were out, or were loading, and I 
despaired even of getting a boat. Finally I found on board his own barge a Cap- 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 89 

tain Monroe, that I had been directed to. I made known my desire, to which he 
answered : 

Yes ; I go to Ashland to-morrow morning, or the next day at the outside. 
What can I do for yon V 

‘A want yon to load on a Pullman special car, and carry her to Ashland.” 

The captain looked at me in blank amazement. 

‘AYhy, I never heerd of such a thing, but then agin it might be did. How 
long is the car ? ’ ’ 

I replied that it was about sixty-fonr feet. W e went aboard the barge, and 
after he had measnred the room forward, he said it would be impossible to take it. 

would have to tear otf half the gnnnell to git her aboard, and there ain’t 
room, bnt I kin tell y^on what can be did ; there is one of my lighters, fer instance.” 

We went down to the dock a distance to see it. It was a long, low, box raft, 
thoroughly calked, making the inside an immense air chamber. It was used for 
loading stone. The load was piled on until the scow sunk nearly to the water’s 
edge, when lines were made fast at either end, and it was towed by a barge or a 
tug. Finding that a deck load of thirty cord of stone had been successfully 
carried time and again, I knew there was no danger that it would not successfully 
carry the car, and after some dickering, engaged it. 

The next day I had a force of men getting the scow ready, and building a 
connection from the dock to the lighter. A track was laid on the boat. The boat 
was fastened securely to the dock, with enough play in the fastenings to allow 
for the partial submersion of the scow when the car was rolled onto it. Early Friday 
morning the car was switched down to the dock and loaded very successfully. 

On Thursday evening, Mr. Carlisle returned from the copper districts, and 
the Senator invited him so cordially to continue the journey with us that he 
accepted. He had completed his business arrangements satisfactorily, and had 
no urgent business that called him back to New York. This state of affairs was 
pleasing also to Charles. 

The rest of the party spent Thursday among the mines, and when they 
returned that last night, were all so tired that animation seemed to have left 
them entirely. At nine o’clock the Dennis party went back to their hotel, and 
our members all retired except myself. I was not sleepy, but, lacking company, 
went out on the back platform where I heard Mike and Sam talking. Sam said : 

' AYhar Avas yo’ bo’n, Mike ? In de Souf ? ” 


90 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


^^Naw, Oi wiizn’t; Oi wnz born in Oireland. Yez niver lieard av the 
O' Rafferty gang on Blackwather, did yez ? Oi’ll tell yez a bit av a tale.” 


BLACKWATER. 

Whin Oi wnz a bye we were rintin’ a bit av a place in the South av Oireland; 
in fact, the first place Oi iver saw wnz the town of Ballyclough. We lived poor 
loike, an’ the ould man had a hape av hustlin’ to do to kape us in petaties, an’ 
l^ay the rint,* rint days. But by arjuous stintin’ he saved a little, year by year, an’ 
bought a masheen fur huskin’ grain, an’ Oi, as I grew oulder, helped the ould 
man Avid the masheen. Thin the money got aisier, an’ he at lasht moved intil 
Ballyclough an’ opened a tavern, so he did, givin’ up the place we rinted but 
kapin’ the masheen, wid which Oi did all the Avorrick entoirely, an’ the ould man 
tinded tavern. Before he wuz married, him an’ his three brothers wnz blades ; 
they AAUiz a set hv hustlers, thim byes. There wuz Teddy, an’ Danny, an' Dinny, 
an' Moike. An’ the folks niver made mintion av thim except as the O’ Rafferty 
gang. They tuk in all the AA^akes, an’ fairs, an’ dances fur moiles around, an' wid 
the girruls they avuz the favorites, if Oi duz say it mesilf, as shudent. Oi shud 
have said that me mother, God bliss her, an O’Rourke before she married Dinny 
O' Rafferty, that’s me fahther, aauiz the bist luken Avoman in the county of 
Munster, an’ av coorse, had no end av gussoons afther her, an’ besoides she had a 
small dowry, an’ her fahther OAvned his land. Ay coorse, yez understhand this 
AVUZ all tould till me long ago. Oi avuz also tould that her choice avuz bechune 
tAvo loikely young chaps in that same parish where she lived, an’ there wuz much 
iWalry bechune thim which shud succeed. But wan day me father, av which his 
brothers wuz as loike him as pease in wan pod, wint across the country till KiT 
meedy, where she lived, to attind a fair, an’ there met Annie O’ Rourke. It aauiz 
Avail av thim matins av loA^e at firsht soight. They wuz all dancin’ Rory O’ More 
AAdiin they met, an’ Dinny O’Rafferty, that’s me fahther, sez to Annie O’Rourke, 
that’ s me mother, God bliss her : 

‘Wez kin bate anything in Ballyclough at Rory O’ More, so yez kin.” 

An’ she sez, whin boAAun’ on the corner till him : 

Oi thot frum the AA^ay yez handled yersilf yez avuz frum the South.” 

‘Ms it awlvAvard Oi am ? ” sez he. 

“Yo,” sez she ; “yez got a clane fut, but Oi suppose it's married yez are.” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


91 


“Not a whit av it,” sez he. “But Oi’m lukin’ fur a lass now on this thrip.” 

“Oh, yez are,” sez she, cunnin’ loike, but thin come the ‘right an’ lift all,’ 
an’ away she mnt, an’ he had no more chance to talk wid her. 

He wuz goin’ to git her fur the nixt dance, but wan av her own byes got 
ahead av him, an’ he stud by in the crowd watchin’ her clip it. Whin the 
fiddlin’ stopped he goes up till her an’ sez : 

“Kin Oi have the nixt? Oi’m achin' till try ‘ St. Patrick’s Day’ wid ye, an’ 
that’s the nixt. Oi’ll show yez how it’s done in Blackwather.” 

“An’ Oi’ll show yez how it’s done on the Deel,” sez she. 

Whin the byes an’ girruls wuz called out fur St. Patrick’s Day, here wuz 
Annie an’ Dinny at the head av the dance, an’ Jack Beuclaugh, the man supphosed 
to carry Annie's heart in his hand, stud close by, watchin’ wid green eyes. An’ 
how they did go it ! Me Uncle Teddy, that wuz there, sez it bate anything he iver 
saw. They put on all the fancy flings they each knew. The crowd around kep’ 
gittin larger an’ larger, watchin’ thim. They wuz all Kilmeedy people an’ kep’ 
askin’ who wuz the bye in green, dancin’ wid our Annie O’ Rourke. 

“ See the nate fut he has on him ! Luk at the sthoyle av him ! ” And wan 
felly sez till Jack Beuclaugh, sez he : 

“Jack, luk out fur the felly in green: he’ll be afther dancin’ Annie away 
frum yez, so he will.” 

“ Oi’ll dance him another chime, whin he gits done this toime, moind that ! ” 
sez this same Jack Beuclaugh. 

An’ Teddy sez : 

“ There is four av us here dances the same chime as the bye in green. An’ we 
kin dance it wid a thorn sthick to fasther music than wid our fut.” 

“ Oy, yez kin? Oi’ll see yez movements,” an’ wid that he gave Teddy a clip 
that loiked to sind the pinnin’ frum underneath him. 

But Teddy gave the Blackwather whistle an’ in two jumps the three brothers 
Avuz around him, lavin’ the girruls in the rings. Howly murther ! they had it. 
Uncle Danny sez there wuz twinty av the Deelwather byes till thim four. They 
wint in, in Blackwather stoyle, an’ it wuz not long till they had a clear space 
around thim, an’ wuz able to see phwhat wuz goin’ on. It broke up the matin 
annyway, an’ the byes come home. But Dinny cud not rist himself thinkin’ av 
thim black eyes an' hair av Annie O’Rourke. So he writ her a billy ducks an’ 
sint it by the nixt mail day. 



MADGE AND DENNIS— "• SOMETIME,’ YOU SAID." 


( 92 ) 




THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


93 


Wliat’s a billy ducks, Mike? Is dat some Irish bizness, er — ” interrupted 

Sam. 

Oi don't know ; Oi’m tellin yez as Oi heard it, didn't Oi tell yez ? ” 

He waited in a faver till the nixt mail cummin’ back, which wuz a tin days’ 
toime, and he got a swate little letter, sayin’ he cud come and see her, but to 
Ink out fur the Deelwather byes. That she loiked a nate suit av green, an’ a bye 
that cud handle a thorn stick an’ his fut so completely. 

Well, iDliwhat yez think? Dinny did his coortin’ wid thim three brothers 
av his along wid him, an’ the result wuz that by their takin’ ways, Dinny got 
Annie, an’ the rist av the byes the pick avthe girruls frum the Deel. Teddy mar- 
ried Katie O’ Regan, Danny married Mary Radnaugh, an’ Moike, Coleen Steel. 
The widdin’ day for each av the byes wuz the same, an’ it’ s tallved about yet, how 
the O’ Rafferty gang married the girruls av Deel. All av Blackwather wuz invited 
an’ all av Deel, an’ the dancin’ an’ atin’ kep’ up two days. The bad blood seemed 
all gone thim two days, an’ it is said on that occasion the Deel byes picked out 
their lassies from Blackwather. Why there wuz a song writ about it. Oi remim- 
ber some av it, as I heard it whin a lad. It wuz somethin’ loike this : 


The Blackwather byes are strappin’ an tall, 
From Cork till yez get to Beaclugh ; 

But for hair that is red, an’ eyes that are blue, 
Oi’ll match the O’Rafferty gang wid you. 

The Blackwather byes are strappin’ an tall. 

The O’Rafferty gang are the pick av thim all. 
Tra, de da, de da, di diddle O ! 

Tra, de da, de da. 

Oh, give me a lass from the parish o’ Deel, 

For thim at Kilmeedy we’ll fight. 

We’ll win the lass wid eyes loike night. 

An’ ever go back wid a heart so light. 

Oh, give me a lass from the parish o’ Deel, 

An’ O’Rouke, O’Regan, Radnaugh, or Steel. 

Tra, de da, etc. 


The byes settled in Blackwather parish and commenced livin’ steady loike. 
All av a suddent Dinny’ s fahther-in-law died, an’ wid him wint all his property- 
It wuz suppohsed he lift somethin’ , but his property hardly settled up his esthate. 
Dinny, that’s me fahther, tuk a bit av land an’ commenced raisin’ petaties. Here 
wuz Oi born. Oi shud av sed that Jack Beuclaugh married shortly afther the big 
widdin o’ Deel, an’ as he tuk a Blackwather girrul, settled in the nixt iiarish to 


94 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


ours, an’ he had a bye about me aige. He wuz named afther his fahther. Whin 
we wuz byes the falen bechune us wuz strained loike, an’ it wuz only phwhat 
moight be expected, as both av us knew the bad blood bechune our fahthers in 
their young days. 

The Blackwather ran through the big esthate av the Palens. Squire Palen 
wuz a noble-souled landlord, an’ his tinents loiked him. He had a bye, Charles 
Palen, about me own aige, an’ strange enough, he tuk a special loiken to me. 
Often had he bin to our shanty fur a male, an’ manny the toime have Oibeen till 
the Blackwather House, the name av the esthate. 

Me little sister, thin about tin years av aige, carried, they say, the good Inks 
av her mother, an’ Charles wuz havin’ a great loikin’ fur her. Manny be the 
toime wuz us three ridin’ over the esthate, or us byes runnin’ horse races, or fishin’ 
in the strames. The gamekeeper wuz tould by young Palen that Oi wuz as free to 
use the watlier as himsilf, an’ Oi niver thought av annything but usin’ it as 
Oi pleased. 

Whin Oi wuz mebbe fourteen or older, the old Squire wuz elicted till Parli’ 
ment, an’ tuk his family, an’ wuz gone fur some toime. The esthate wuz handled 
by a divilish superintindent, who made himself hated by the tinants because av 
his harsh dealins an’ his evictions; an’ another thing, he had an’ intinse calumly 
in my favor, because av my free an’ aisy manners wid him, an’ Oi supphose, the 
intimacy bechune young Palen an’ mesilf . The ould gamekeeper was discharged, 
an’ none other than Jack Beuclaugh, the younger, wwl put in his place, wid 
severil av his gang as deputies. Oi was lukin’ fur that selfsame job mesilf, an’ 
till see that Beuclaugh appinted, roiled me a little. 

Oi wuz down on wan av the strames wan evenin’, casting fur a salmon, am 
J ack come up — yez see, he had been watchin’ — an’ he sez : 

^‘Oi hev been tould that phwhat wuz yez priviledges here in toime gone by 
hev ceased wid the new rejoime.” 

Sez Oi : Phwhat put ye onto rejoime ? Is that a worrud that comes frum the 

ould fair at Kilmeedy, twinty years ago ?” An’ Oi give him a few bars av ''The 
Blackwather byes are strappin’ an’ tall.” Yez see, Oi wuz achin’ to pick a fuss 
wid him. Oi succaded. Whin Oi mintioned about the ould fair at Kilmeedy, an’ 
whistled the bit av a chune fur him, it wuz loike wavin’ a red flag till a bull. He 
tuk a good luk at me, an’ sez : 

' ' or 11 hate to put a bullet in yez hoide, but Oi hev insthructed me deputies 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


95 


till watch yez especially. Wan worrud from a Beuclaugli is enough,” an’ wid that 
he strode off through the grass. 

Oi only smiled at him an’ kep’ whistlin’. Before Oi wint home, Oi had a 
salmon that wud make a king’s male. Oi tould me ould man that avenin’ while 
atin’ the salmon, an’ he sez : 

Why didn’t yez bang him wan bechune the two eyes av him as he stud 
there. Oi did it till his dad, an’ Oi don’t want till see me projeny wavin’ their 
tails to the second run av Beuclaughs. Me mother, God bliss her, cautioned me 
against anny bad worrud with him, an’ tould me to measure me worrds in anny 
fuss. But the ould blood crep’ back till me, afther lyin’ sthill these many years. 
The result av it wuz, Oi sthill fished, but kep’ dodgin’ the deputies, an’ many the 
night did Oi get a salmon wid me wires. But wan way or another the matter 
laked out, an’ they set a watch for me. Wan Satherday noight, Oi wuz luken up 
me snares, an’ the first thing Oi knew a gun wint bang ! an’ a bullet whistled so 
close as to cut ofl: a lock av me hair. Oi wuz knee-deep in vvather wadin’ whin it 
happened, an’ made a loively scrimmage fur the other bank, only to walk intil 
the arrums av Jack Beuclaugh, the gamekeeper, wid constabulary powers. 

Oi am expictin’ yez,” he sez. ^^Me deputy acrost the river made a poor 
shot. I wud a done betther. Oi don’t think yez will be so free tellin’ yez swate- 
hearts about batin’ Jack Beuclaugh at his own game. Yez lassies are too free wid 
their tongues, me bye.” 

Wid that he laid down his gun, an’ takin’ out his wristers, sez : 

‘^Oi arrist yez in the name av the law, Moike O’ Rafferty, fur tres]3ass.” 

He got the worrds out av his oogly mug good an’ clane, an’ Oi tuk him wan, 
where the ould man advised, that sint him spinnin’ intil the wather. Oi picked 
up the gun, an’ catchin’ the outline av the deputy acrost the strame tuck a squint 
at him wid it, an’ whin the trigger wuz pulled, he give a screech that yez cud have 
heard a moile. Oi trew the gun into the wather an’ made a break fur open 
counthry, an’ lift thim behind. 

Oi rached home about midnight an’ wakened me fahther an’ told him all. Av 
coorse he wuz distressed about the matther, and wuz sorry Oi had l^anged it to the 
deputy, but Oi had to tell him tree toimes about clippin’ it till young Beuclaugh. 
He gave me a bag av sov'r’igns an’ Oi lift that noight fur the north av Oireland, an 
eventually to America; not widout, however, wapin’ me eyes out at partin’ wid 
me mother an’ me sister, God bliss thim. 


96 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


Oi learned aftlierward that Oi tiik the deputy in the arnim an’ only barked 
him, but such a howl wuz set up in the parish that the whole counthry wuz luken 
fur me. 


Whin twinty years is up the mather will be outlawed, an’ Oi'll be goin’ back 
fur a sphell. My sister. Lady Palen, sez, “Come home, Moike, it's all forgotten 
now.” 

If the Sinator’s health will permit, Oi may run acrost this fall. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


97 


CH/IPTER V. 


R, DENNIS and his party were to take the City of 
Fremont^ that sailed that morning for Ontonagon 
and Ashland. Our plan was to take the lumber 
barge and go with the car; but the barge was an 
old dingy craft, and could not make the journey in 
less than twenty hours, which would necessitate us being 
aboard of her all night. We therefore concluded to send the 
ladies and most of the party by the City of Fremont^ while the 
Senator, the elder Carlisle, and myself went aboard the barge 
to keep an eye on the car. We started first, and Dr. and Mrs. 
Snowden, my wife, Madge, and Charles, and Mr. Dennis and 
his party came down to see us off. 

Wlien we were out of the canal and into the lake we 
found the weather all that we could desire. The lake was unusually quiet and 
the raft rode beautifully. Our plan was to put into Ontonagon that night if the 
weather proved boisterous, but if not, to continue on to Ashland. About ten that 
morning the pilot reported that the Fremont was astern and near us. We went 
on deck and found her in our wake, probably a mile, and gaining on us rapidly. 
She came up shortly, and so near that we could distinguish our friends on her 
deck„ Amid much waving of hands and tooting of whistles she forged ahead, and by 
noon all we could distinguish of her was a trail of black smoke. Sam insisted on 
staying aboard of the car, and occasionally his black head could be seen out of some 
window, with a smile on his face that lit up the water around him. 

The raft rode steadily all day, and at nine o’clock that night, feeling secure 
from any mishap, we went to bed. When we awoke we were lying by the dock 
at Ashland, the raft moored close astern. When we came on deck we saw Sam on 
the platform of the car, and his first greeting was to call us over to breakfast. To 
an inquiry from the Senator about the trip he had made, he said : 

Wuz like swinging in a hammock, Mr. Hanner. I got kind o’ skeery in de 
night onst, ’twas mos’ mo’nin’ and de keer got kind o teetery like. I poked my 

7 



98 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 







head out and de waves wuz gitten little bilious like, but it stopped in a little 
while an’ got quiet agin.” 

We had the lighter towed to a dock between those owned by the Superior 
Lumber Company. Here a spur of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha 

Railroad runs along the 
shore. We had six feet 
of water, and moved the 
raft in and made her fast. 
By removing a few feet 
of piling we made a 
connecting track, and 
safely transferred the 
car to solid ground. The 
transfer took most of the 
day. The car was then 
run down this spur to the 
main line, and brought 
back to the depot. 

The rest of our party 
and Mr. Dennis and his 
friends we found at the 
Chequamegon Hotel. 
They had arrived late 
the previous evening. 
The ladies were quite 
anxious concerning us, 
and wished we had been 
on the Fremont to help enjoy their delightful trip. 

I noticed a feeling of estrangement between 
Madge and Charles. Mr. Dennis was very atten- 
tive to Madge, and Charles was making prodigious efforts to amuse Miss Dennis. 
Tliat evening, at the cotillion held in the ballroom, I learned there had been a 
little ‘‘tiff”’ between Madge and Charles coming up. Miss Blount made a con- 
fidant of Mrs. Daly ; that is how I heard of it. It occurred in this wise: At 

dinner on the boat the day before, Madge and Charles were sitting together. 


LAKE GENEVA. 

THE BAY. FROM BROAD STREET. 






THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


99 


Madge, probably without any slighting intention, would occasionally speak to 
Mr. Dennis, who sat across the table and a little further down. Charles, without 
cause, had been annoyed by Miss Blount’s friendliness toward Mr. Dennis since 
their meeting, and in a moment of anger, petulantly said to her in an undertone : 

‘ ^ Madge, I wish you would confine your conversation to those within speak- 
ing distance. It does not look well to ’ ’ 

^‘Mr. Carlisle, I must confess that you are too late an acquisition to my 
coterie of friends for me to allow you to dictate to me as to what constitutes a 
lady-like mode of conducting myself.” 

beg your pardon. Miss Blount,” he said hastily, seeing that he had 
spoken foolishly and quickly. 

‘A will grant it,” she said quietly, and for the time will confine my conver- 
sation strictly to you.” 

As she finished the meal, chatting pleasantly to him, he was congratulating 
himself that his bit of advice had its effect, and that Madge’s anger had flown. 
After dinner she came to him, and catching him by the sleeve said, with a most 
bewitching smile on her face : 

‘^Now, Charlie, may I speak to Mr. Dennis a little while, if I will speak 
softly ? ’ ’ 

^AYhy, certainly, Madge ! but not too long,” he said, and walked away feel- 
ing light as a feather. 

But as Madge continued talking softly to Mr. Dennis all that afternoon and 
most of the evening, his lightheartedness continued to sink like a column of 
mercury. 

MHien I reached the scene the next morning, Charles looked as if he were 
not more than 10 degrees above, and Madge corresponding. I was becoming 
interested. The quarrel could not be kept quiet in our little party, and I found 
we were all taking sides. The ladies said that they thought Miss Blount had 
spoken too severely to Mr. Carlisle, and I held that it served him just right. It 
did, too. 

We found friends and acquaintances at the hotel and in private houses from 
all parts of the South — hay-fever guests from all the infected districts. We 
made trips to the Apostle Islands, Washburn, Bayfield and Odanah, the Indian 
reservation. Mr. Dennis’ party joined us in a trip down the line of the Northern 
Pacific a few miles to Pike Lake and the Brule River. We caught some fine 


100 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS. 


trout in the Brule, and all of us made the trip down the Brule rapids, except Mrs. 
Snowden. Mr. Angus owns hotels at both Brule River and Pike Lake, and had 
everything possible that could add to our comfort. W e spent a day on Pike 
Lake. 

Mr. Carlisle thought he recognized in Mr. Angus an old theatrical man, which 
proved to be the case, he having for some years been connected with Duprez & 
Benedict’s minstrels. That evening he came aboard and gave us some of the 
songs and banjo sketches of his younger days. 

Dr. Snowden had hooked a very fine muskallonge that day, and in his ner- 
vousness he broke his pole and lost his fish. He could not get over the mishap, 
and in every lull of the conversation coming back to the car, and all that evening, 
he would bewail his loss. A Mr. Dyer, of St. Paul, who was a guest at the hotel, 
and was present, finally knocked the doctor into a comatose state by saying: 

‘ ^ If you are here to-morrow. Doctor, you mus-co-long and try it over with 
me.” 

The next morning we left, coming east to the Omaha line. The Dennis party 
left the same morning for Duluth. We were to meet again in a short time at 
Senator Hanna’s in St. Paul. This left Madge and Charles to themselves again. 
The Senator probably knew how matters stood, when, for lack of other amusement, 
he proposed a game of whist, and selected Madge for his partner, as he had done 
on previous occasions. As Charles and Mrs. Snowden were the only whist players 
left in the party, it brought Madge and Charles into opposition. And what will 
not engender bad blood quicker than a close rubber at whist ? 

The game was proposed as soon as the Dennis party had said their good-bys. 
Madge and Charles were aching to make up their differences, but that inoppor- 
tune proposal only widened the breach the greater. By the time the car again 
reached the main line, the games stood two and two, and as the points were hard 
earned, all the more zealously did they engage in the coming game. After prob- 
ably half an hour’s time, in which the points gained one by one until they stood 
six to six, it came the Senator’s deal for the last hand. As each one glanced at 
their cards, their faces told of a perplexity that did not warrant either side in 
being sure of getting the winning point. Perhaps Mrs. Snowden looked the most 
complacent. Madge, woman-like, was greatly excited, and as the cards were 
played, with the result of a trick to this pile and then to the other one, her excite- 
ment increased. When the last three cards Avere still held, the Senator, whose 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


101 


lead it was, studied liis hand for some time. Charles had four tricks towards his 
book, and the Senator had six. Trumps had been led twice all the way round. 
The Senator had two small ones left ; Mrs. Snowden, the jack and queen, the 
highest. Madge had one and Charles was out. Mrs. Snowden’s long suit was 
clubs, of which she still held control if trumps were out. Madge knew this from 
the play, and as she had no clubs and a little trump, she was exceedingly anxious 
that the Senator should lead clubs, through Mrs. Snowden, that she could get the 
winning trick and the game. She also thought that any other lead of the 
Senator’ s Avould be suicidal. She could not contain herself, and while the Senator 
was studying what move to make, she innocently ran through her cards and said: 
Why, I declare ! I thought I had a club.” 

The pointer to the Senator was too glaring, and with a smile he laid down a 
club. Mrs. Snowden followed with a higher one, and Madge gleefully put on her 
trump and then clapped her hands. Mrs. Snowden flushed and bit her lips, 
while Charles slammed his remaining cards on the table, got up and went to the 
observation room. He lighted a cigar and glared flercely out over the receding 
track. Mrs. Snowden said nothing, but, trying to look pleasant, left the table 
and went to her room. 

Madge, noticing the change of temperature, looked at the Senator with a half- 
frightened expression and said : 

suppose I did wrong, but I was so afraid you would not lead that way 
that I could not help it. I am so sorry ! ’ ’ 

The Senator knew the play would not bear close scrutiny, but jDrovoked at 
Charles’ display of temper, championed her cause by saying : 

‘Mt made no difference. Miss Blount, either way. See here! I have the 
thirteenth heart, and either lead would have given us the game.” 

‘As that so?” she said. ^^Then lam not a bit sorry. But I will go and 
apologize to Mrs. Snowden, but I will not to Charles ; he acted real ungen- 
tlemanly.” 

He will be over it in a minute,” the Senator said, as he left the table. 

Sam went back to the kitchen and whispered to Mike : 

^‘Dat Cha’les — you orter seed, him — flung down de ca’ds dat a way, an’ wen’ 
back to de odder eend of de ca’ wid all his bristles up. Guess it all up ’tween 
’em now. Southe’n wimmin ain’t got no business nohow wid dese ’ere high 
flung No’theners.” 



HE CARRIED HER INTO THE PARLOR AND LAID HER ON THE LOUNGE 


( 102 ) 




THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


103 


When dinner was called, Charles had returned to his usual serenity and was 
affable to an astonishing degree. No reference was made to the morning game. 
That afternoon, while Madge was sitting on the swivel-chair in the observation 
room, reading, and the rest of the were taking their usual afternoon nap, 

Charles came, and standing beside her, said : 

‘‘ Forgive me, Madge, for my rudeness.” 

He looked at her penitently, but she naively said : 

‘‘ For which offense do you ask forgiveness ? ” 

‘‘ For all — for everything, Madge. Don’t you know that I love you ? Have 
you not seen it ? Do I need to tell you ? ” 

‘‘ That is enough; you need not say any more, for 1 don’t love you. Not a 
bit — there now ! ” 

'‘But, Madge!” 

^^No, I do not ! You are cross and have an awful temx)er, and 1 have not 

forgotten what you said on the boat ” 

‘‘ Oh ! I did not mean ” 

‘‘Yes, you did! You were cross because I was glad to see the Dennises. 

You have a disposition I do not like ” 

“But, Madge, listen — listen ” 

“No, I will not listen ; if you do not stoi3, I will go to my room. But I tell 
you what I will do,” she said, looking around cautiously; “if you will close that 
door and open the window, I will smoke a Caporal with you.” And as she said 
this she looked uj) at Charles, and extending her hand to him, said : 

“ Yes, I will forgive you.” 

After lighting their cigarettes they sat for a little time in silence, not knowing 
how to commence a conversation of any kind. Finally they looked at each other 
and both laughed. 

“This is what you call chumniy, I believe, Charles,” she said. 

Ere their cigarettes had burned down they were laughing and chatting as 
before the little ripple came between them. 

The Senator for the past few days had been in the best of spirits. He claimed 
that the travel had greatly benefited him ; that his appetite w^as improving, and 
that he could now lie down, secure of a sound night’s sleep. He was correspond- 
ingly animated, and said he was now sorry he had not lingered a while longer in 
the North for a few days more fishing. At supiier that evening he announced that 


/ 


104 THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON BAILS, 

he had wired his housekeeper to have the house prepared for an avalanche of 
people for a night or two, and that when we arrived in St. Paul at seven o’clock 
we would all leave the car and see if we would appreciate the change to more 
roomy quarters. 

On arriving at the Union Depot we left the car in Sam’s care and went to the 
Senator’s home. The housekeeper had been in a state of worry and perplexity 
since the receipt of the Senator’ s telegram, but when we arrived she looked the 
party over with a feeling of relief, and said : 

‘‘ Is this all. Senator? I thought there were a hundred, at least.” 

A light supper was ready, and we sat long in the large cool dining-room, 
enjoying the unlimited space. We were all tired, having been traveling the 
whole day, and all went to bed early. 

The next day we drove to Minnehaha Falls, and on our return that even- 
ing found the Dennises had arrived. With the addition of the Dennis party 
we taxed the Senator’s dining-room to its full capacity. It accommodated us, 
however, and Mike, the master of ceremonies, presided, as was his wont. That 
evening was spent quietly. The Senator announced that we must not tire our- 
selves the following day, as he had provided for a little dancing party the 
following evening. The next day we took carriages to Fort Snelling and Min- 
neapolis, the party dividing, and all returned early in the day. 

That evening we did not impose on the musicians, owing to the warmth. 
A new moon made the young people seek the lawn and the walks. A summer- 
house stood in one corner of the grounds, surrounded by an arbor of trees, and 
so overgrown and interlaced by creepers that it made the interior of it quite dark 
in comparison with the bright moonlight outside. Carlisle, finding a chance to 
retire from the house during one of the dances, lit a cigar, and strolling about 
the premises finally reached the summer-house and entered. He had hardly 
been seated, when, glancing up to the parlor windows, he saw Madge and Dennis 
engaged earnestly in conversation. He gave the matter no particular attention, 
and he was still watching them when they suddenly left the window and appeared 
next at the front door. 

Carlisle had remarked to Madge that she looked especially beautiful that 
night, and as she stood at the head of the steps, with a light shawl thrown over 
her bare shoulders, and her outline so charmingly displayed in the moonlight, he 
thought he had never seen so entrancing a j^icture. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


105 


She stood so long there that Carlisle started to go to her, but had hardly- 
arisen from his seat when Dennis again came out. She took his arm and they 
came slowly down the steps and disappeared among the shadows on the other 
side of the grounds. 

Carlisle was in that uneasiness of mind that a lover always experiences. He 
was blindly, madly infatuated, and life seemed a bleak desert unless he was in 
Madge's presence all the time. He had worried over Dennis’ familiarity, and 
hated him cordially in consequence. What he had just seen did not increase his 
imperturbability. He sat smoldng savagely. He went over in his mind every 
incident that had occurred since Dennis had joined the party, and reasoned out 
to himself that on every occasion that was offered Madge clearly showed by her 
actions her preference for Dennis’ society. He admitted to himself that he had 
acted boorish on several occasions, and what reason had he, anyhow, he thought, 
to lay any claim to her exclusive society ? That was a narrow view to take of the 
matter.^ But had he not told his secret to Madge herself, and she, in evident and 
unmistakable language, refused to listen to him? Would not a repetition cf any 
advances on his part a second time be distressing to her ? He thought the matter 
over and over, and his methods of reasoning only drove him farther coward the 
conclusion that Madge cared nothing for him. 

He was finally aroused from his reverie by hearing voices. He turned, and, 
looking through the interstices of the vines and rustic work of the summer-house, 
saw Madge and Dennis approaching. They had, when leaving the house, taken a 
walk that led around the border of the grounds. The walk that led to the sum- 
mer-house joined this walk. Carlisle’s first imx)ulse was to speak, but before he 
could readily collect himself they stopped, and were so near him that he could 
have reached through the vines and touched them. Their conversation was so 
earnest and so closely allied to his own welfare and future happiness that he sat 
there breathless, an unwilling listener to all that was said. 

As Madge and Dennis left the house, Dennis said : 

‘ Mt is too warm to stay in the house. This is a near approach to your Georgia 
weather. I was expecting when we reached St. Paul that we would be wearing 
ulsters, but the Senator admits that this is an unusually warm evening, and I 
suiDj)ose our dancing increases it. It is strange that we have met away up here, 
after an interval of nearly a year and a half. You have not forgotten our last 
meeting, have you, Madge ? ” 


106 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


‘‘You mean tlie day and evening at Yance’s, at Marietta ? ” she replied. 

“ Yes ; but I refer especially to what we said there — or rather, what you said.” 

“ What did I say ? ” 

“I wanted an ansAver then to a question that greatly concerned me. and you 
said ■ ’ 

“ Sometime ! ” 

“ Yes, sometime ; that was it — you would answer me sometime.” 

“ Well, does that not satisfy you ? You have been in New York for so long 
that I thought you had forgotten all about it, and looked back on the matter as 
only a boyish fancy. ’ ’ 

“No, I have not forgotten — will not forget! Have not my letters told you 
that the possibility you gave me was upj)ermost in my thoughts ? ” 

“You must be satisfied with sometime still,” she said, teasingly, and contin- 
ued : “Now you must not say any more. Hoav did you happen to think of com- 
ing north?” she said, trying to change the subject, and asking the first question 
that came into her head. 

Dennis noticed it, and smiled. He said : 

“1 have been so busy in New York fora year or more, it was imperative 
that I take a rest ; so I came, and having business at Dead wood to attend to for 
the firm, thought I might kill two birds with one stone, as the saying goes, so came 
north and west.” 

“Dead wood! What a funny name! Where is Deadwood?” she said, 
innocently. 

“ It’s in the Black Hills, and we go from here to Pierre, and thence by stage 
to Deadwood. That is how it was that I came north; and I thought sister would 
enjoy it, so she came along, and Graham heard I was coming and he Avanted to 
come and bring his wife and her sister. Miss Putney. So you see Ave made iq) 
quite a little party at once. But I am sorry Ave liaA^e to part here. I must con- 
fess that I have enjoyed the trip, and especially since I met you back there in 
Michigan.” 

‘ ‘ 1 am sorry, also, that the 2 )arties are to be separated. I do not knoAv 
which Avay we go. I must ask the Senator. I Avish Ave could all traA^el together — 
the more the merrier — and I do so like your sister and friends.” 

“ Why not transfer tint liking to me, Madge ? You told me, that last time, 
that 1 was a boy, and in Noav York I Avould forget you. Being Avith you again. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


107 


hearing you speak and looking into those eyes, brings back with four-fold vigor 
that boyish fancy. Now you again put me off with — sometime. Is not that 
sometime ever to end ? ’ ’ 

Madge kept her eyes on the ground, while he continued : 

‘‘• Tell me, Madge, when that sometime will end. If you will not answer me 
affirmatively now, say when you will give me an answer. I must have one.” 

Madge’s face, as it shone in the moonlight, was troubled with perplexity. 
Dennis caught her hand in his and stood breathless, awaiting her answer. 

I have done wrong,” she said, disengaging her hand. do not love you, 
Charlie, and in saying that I will also say that I do not think that I love any 
man. If I learn to love you, then I will answer ; now, I can only say, sometime 
I will answer you. If you press me for an answer now, it will be an emphatic 
no ! ’ ’ 

He responded quickly : ‘^Do not answer me, then. Anything but no; but I 

surmise that Mr. Carlisle is the occasion of this.’' 

‘‘You are ungenerous; and you have no right to surmise anything of the 
kind,” she said, with a feeling of warmth. 

“Yes, I have. He has just that dominant nature that a woman naturally 
respects. What right had he to chide you when you were talking to me across 
the table on the Fremont ? I heard enough of what he said to know what the 
subject of the conversation was.” 

“I suppose he thought it was very unladylike to be talking above a 
conversational tone, and I agree with him. It was not nice.” Madge said this 
very demurely. 

“And I notice that he talks to you patronizingly, and a woman, being the 
weaker sex, like the ivy in the story of the ivy and the oak, clings to the 
majestic ” 

“Now, you are jealous, and that is a simple expression ! Heaven preserve me 
from a jealous man as a husband ! You are only putting that sometime further 
off. Mr. Carlisle is a friend; a friend that I like and am proud of.” 

“And bases his friendship on the plea of having once been the instrument in 
saving your life, as you told me of.” 

“ Well, he did,” she said warmly. 

“ Don’t you suppose he was thinking of Mr. Carlisle’s own safety at that time 
as much as he was ot your own % ” Dennis ungenerously said. 


108 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


^^Mr. Dennis, I will hear no more of this. Come, we must go back to the 
house.” 

Forgive me, Madge, if I have said anythingoffensive,” he said. 

‘ ‘ But you must not try to belittle in my eyes the character of Mr. Carlisle. 
You must try, if you desire to succeed, to raise yourself in my esteem to a degree 
that I will sometime be unable to do without you. Now, is that not a pretty 
speech ? Come, we must go in. I have the next waltz with the Senator,” and she 
playfully took his arm and ran along the walk. 

When they had left, Carlisle gave a long, low whistle. ‘ ' About nip and tuck 
that was, and they never saw me — well, that was exceedingly fortunate. So 
Dennis jDroposed and fared no better. Well, that’s good. But that sometime 
bothers me. He thinks I am dominant. AVonder if I am ? And he is jealous of 
me. So am I of him. It places this matter in statu-quo for a while, at least. 
But then I did save her life, and did she not tell me that night when we reached 
shore that I was brave and good, and, in her impetuous way, throw her arms 
about my neck and say, ‘ Sometime I may repay you’ ? AVas I ever ungenerous 
enough to recall that circumstance to her? AA^as that sometime the same word 
that Dennis relies on ? ” 

Carlisle relit his cigar and slowly walked toward the house ; he reached the 
steps and stood leaning against the stone balustrade. He could, from his position, 
catch glimpses of Madge as she flitted past the door. His eyes followed her 
every movement with a passionate longing that he had never before experienced. 
He said to himself, She has said, ^ Sometime I may repay you,’ and she must.” 

AABiere was the ‘‘ The Little Blind God” that had shot his arrows so remorse- 
lessly, and in such damaging directions ? Had he now his eyes uncovered would 
he know which wounds to heal ? 

AYlien the music ceased, the whole party came out on the veranda, Madge 
leaning on the Senator’s arm. 

‘AYe are going to Dead — wood, too, Mr. Dennis ; the Senator says so,” said 
Madge. 

‘‘That will be pleasant,” he replied, and coming forward to Avhere the Senator 
and Madge were standing, began making arrangements for a future meeting, as 
the party again separated the following morning. 

Aladge, seeing Carlisle standing at the foot of the steps, quietly withdrew her 
hand from the Senator’s arm and ran down to him. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


109 



^^Wliy, Charlie Carlisle! where have you been? You have been playing 
truant for three or four whole numbers. Give an account of yourself.” 

Carlisle noticed that she seemed 
rather excited and slightly pale. He 
said : 

‘ ‘ I have been dozing, I guess ; it’ s 
so warm, and I dreamed of 


you. 

‘^Oh, that was splen- 
did ! What did you dream?’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I must say it was not 
a very pleasant dream for 
me, but if you insist I will 
tell ” 


Oh, I do insist — now 
that you have my curiosity 
excited.” 

^^AYell, it was only a 
dream. I dreamed I saw 
you standing in a path in 
the woods, and some one I 
could not see held your 
hand. Y our head was bent 
dowm and you were unde- 
cided. You said, have 
done wrong ; I do not think 
I love any man. If I learn 
to love vou, then I will 
answer — sometime — sometime ’ ! Sud- 


denly the gravel walk turned into white 
sand and the dark shrubbery into 
boiling, mad waves. I saw myself, 
weary and worn, leaning on a broken oar, with two pearly white arms around my 
neck, and she was saying, ^Sometime I will repay you — sometime.’ That was 
my dream. 


FORT SNELLING. MINN. 



110 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


As Carlisle repeated wliat lie termed liis dream, in a low, but articulate tone, 
slie became agitated ; lier bosom heaved with suppressed emotion, and as he 
finished, she turned deathly pale and said : 

^^Oh, darling, that sometime is yours — now ! ” and fainted. 

Carlisle, very much frightened, caught her as she fell. The laughter and 
conversation on the veranda above suddenly ceased, and when he carried her 
into the parlor to a lounge, he was followed by all the ladies of the party. 

Late in the night, after most of the house had retired, young Carlisle, unable 
to compose himself to sleep, sat on the veranda, smoking. To his surprise, he 
was joined by Dennis. After lighting a cigar, he said : 

As a near friend of Miss Blount, I would like to know what the conversa- 
tion was that affected her so visibly this evening.” 

Well, Mr. Dennis, I may admit yon are a near friend of Miss Blount, but I 
can not admit of your right to ask me a question concerning a matter that I think 
does not concern you.” 

'Mt does concern me. Miss Blount has promised — to — well — to make a long 
story short, I have proposed to Miss Blount, and she has j)romised in time to 
give an answer. She neither accepts nor refuses me.” 

If that is the case,” said Carlisle, I will tell yon. I was relating a dream 
to her that I had once. It was this.” And as he related the dream, a look of 
perplexity came over Dennis’ face, and unconsciously he glanced out toward the 
summer-house. 

When Carlisle had finished, Dennis looked him squarely in the face, and said: 
peculiar dream! I guess I will not wait on sometime. I think I see 
through your enigma. She was yours when the boat landed a year ago. Good- 
night ! ’ ’ and Dennis threw away his cigar and went to bed. 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


Ill 


CH/iPTER YI. 



E were again on board the ‘‘Davy Crocket.” The 
Dennises left the morning after the party. Mr. 
Carlisle the elder left us at St. Paul, having been 
recalled to New York on urgent business. It was 
a great disappointment for all of us to have him 
leave. Sam was delighted to have us back at the car. He 
said it had seemed a month since we had left. 

The condition of things between Charles and Madge was 
too perceptible that we should fail to notice what was going 
on. Madge had confided in Mrs. Snowden, as was her 
duty. We all looked on the engagement with pleasure. 
At dinner the first day out the Senator said to them : 

“Now, I suppose you think we know nothing of your 
love affairs. You imagine, I suppose, that you are acting very precise and 
guarded in your actions ; that no one would ever suppose in the world but that 
you were only casually interested in each other in a friendly manner. But we see 
through it, doiTt we, Mrs. Snowden ? ” 

Madge and Charles blushed, and Mrs. Snowden, as she held their confidences, 
was embarrassed, and did not answer. 

“How is it Charles; am I not right ? ” 

“ There is no use. Senator ; we must acknowledge it,” said Carlisle. 

“Now, Charlie ! what did you tell the Senator for ? He will tease us unmer- 
cifully now,” said Madge. And she slid her hand over and caught Charles’ hand 
very kittenish, under the table. 

“ Let go of his hand, Madge, while I talk to him awhile ; you’ll embarrass 
him.” 

“ Senator Hanna, I think you are real mean ! ” said Madge, blushing. But 
what are you going to talk about ? ” 


I 


112 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


do not wish to interest myself too mncli in other people’s affairs,” said 
the Senator; ^^but I have a proj)osition to make to you two and the rest of yon. 
I am just as much pleased over the outcome of this matter as any of the party, 
Charlie excepted, perhaps, and I am not surprised, as I expected it. This affair is 
strictly the concern of our car. You have probably talked but little about the date 
of your wedding ; if you have, you have put it off until October, the romantic 
month. You have thought of the quiet hum of the bees, the autumn tinge of the 
trees, the mellow haze of the atmosphere, the fallen apples, and a lot more dreamy 
stuff, and Charles has thought of ordering anew dress-suit; and. I’ll warrant, 
Madge has been thinking of the new dresses she will get — a party dress, a recep- 
tion dress, a traveling suit, and what not. Now, why not save all that bother 
and worry and get married right away — here on this car ! ’ ’ 

^^Why, Senator Hanna ! ” said Mrs. Snowden. 

The idea! Why, papa, that would be monstrous! No nice dresses, and 
no music, and no flowers,” said Cassie. 

Well, now, the idea, when 1 come to think of it, pleases me immensely. 
Senator,” said Dr. Snowden. ‘A am becoming as interested as the Senator.” 

‘^Nice dresses, and flowers, and music, the regular wedding march, if you 
want it, ushers, bridesmaids, everything, you can have, and a wedding trip thrown 
in, and all your friends to see you, and — talk about romance — why it would be 
the essence of it ! ” said the Senator. Charles looked delighted. 

Madge held her head down, busily engaged with her dinner. 

‘A do not mean to-morrow or next day, but when we are going home. You 
can telegraph your friends and relatives, and they can meet us. But suit your- 
selves. I advise you not to put it off, however. No use. Take it suddenly, and 
you can go back and nestle down in your own cage and be married three months 
longer than you would be to put it off and worry yourselves and make everybody 
around you wish it was all over. ’ ’ 

Nothing more was said. That afternoon, Madge and Charles had a long talk 
in the observation room. 

We were now on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha line, speeding 
south. The scenery was charming. Lakes and rivers, flne farms, and stretches 
of prairie, interspersed with parks of timber. The air was delightful. At St. 
Peter we changed to the Chicago & North-Western line again and went west to 
Swan Lake. We side-tracked within a stone’ s throw of the water. It was not 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


113 


late enough, however, to prevent Dr Snowden and the Senator from having an 
hour’s fishing. They were successful enough to get a supply of black bass for 
supper. As we were to be here most of the following day, they returned early, 
very enthusiastic to get an early start the following morning. The Senator 
reported several Hocks of ducks that flew into the lake as they were coming home. 
This was enough to make me as enthusiastic to get an early start as they desired, 
and I lost no time in getting out my breech-loader and shells, hoping to be on the 
lake by the first appearance of dawn. 

The supper that evening was unusually late. Mrs. Snowden chided the doctor 
for eating so heartily. 

‘‘If I should eat such a meal in Washington, dear, I should have fears for 
myself, but this glorious air invigorates to such a degree that I can only get my 
equilibrium by appeasing my appetite— a little more of the fish, Mike.” 

Mrs. Snowden, with a look of resignation, gave up any further efforts in try- 
ing to regulate the doctor’ s diet. 

Madge and Charles were unusually quiet. They desired to give us a report 
of their afternoon session, but Charles saw no opening in the conversation to 
warrant his speaking. Finally, the Senator said : 

“Well, children, how about the wedding 2 Is it a go ? ” 

“Yes ; we have agreed,” said Charles. 

“It is a car-go! ” put in Madge. 

“If this is the majority report, and there is no discussion on it, we will adopt, 
and I find myself getting very enthusiastic over it. We can arrange everything 
by telegraph — flowers, preacher, music, friends come to my wedding, and all. 
Daughter, did you put in your trunk that pretty reception dress, as I told you ?” 

“ Yes, papa, I did. I have never worn it, and now I’ll have a chance.” 

“Now, let me suggest. That dress must be worn by the bride,” said the 
Senator. 

“ It will be my wedding present to you, Madge,” said Cassie. 

“ The idea of your giving away your only appropriate dress ! ” said Madge. 

“ Oh, you do not know how it relieves me to do it,” said Cassie, “if you will 
accept it. I have been puzzling myself all day about the matter. We are 
away out here where it would be impossible for me to get anything appropriate, 
and the dress is beautiful, and I know it will fit you. We are nearly of a size.” 

And the girls bustled off to the dressing-room to look at the dress. 

8 


114 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


The Senator talked volubly and at length of the way he was to manage the 
details, and was only interrupted by the appearance of Madge and Cassie. Madge 
had on the dress, and it fitted her as if she had been molded into it. Her hair 
was powdered and she had on a pair of white kid gloves, and, as the Senator put 
it: ‘'You look sweet enough to be married right now.” Charles was in raptures 

over her appearance. 

The dress was a low-corsaged red satin, with a black guipure lace overdress — 
not the regulation bridal white, but a dress of wonderful richness. The dress was 
sleeveless, and its color was enhanced by the snowy white neck and arms of its 
wearer. Madge was delighted and walked around the car to get different views of 
herself from the many mirrors the car contained. 

The rest of the evening was spent in completing the arrangements, as far as the 
Senator would allow, as he insisted on planning all the minor details. 

After the rest of the party had retired, Charles and Madge sat alone by the 
smaller dining-room table. Madge had pencil and paper in hand, writing a list of 
things she was to telegraph for the next morning. She said : 

“Of course we must have papa and mamma, and your father and mother — 
Oh, dear! I wonder if your mother will like me. I hope so.” 

“Why, of course, you silly girl; who can help liking you?” 

“But suppose she knew I smoked? Would she think it was chummy to 
smoke, Charles ? ’ ’ 

“ Well, 1 do not know about that,” he said dubiously. 

“ 1 am not going to smoke any more, darling,” she said penitently. 

Charles made no further comment on the matter, which Madge interpreted 
that Charles had gotten over his chummy notions. After a pause, as if undecided 
whether to speak of the matter or not, she said : 

“ Hovj about the Dennises, dear — you will not object to them, will you ? ” 
“Why, certainly not, if they will come.” 

“There are five in their party, and in ours seven — that’s twelve; and your 
parents and mine, four more — sixteen in all. Why we will have a regular fete, 
won’t we ? Where will they meet us ? ” 

“The Senator will take care of that,” he replied. 

Late the next morning we again reached St. Peter and took the regular train 
south on the Omaha line. I had very fair luck to get a string of ducks early that 
morning, and the Senator and Doctor caught more fish than we could use ; but 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


115 


when we amved at St. Peter they were eagerly taken by the railroad men. They 
were small-mouthed black bass, and of a size to be delicious eating. 

The Senator announced that day that we should go to the end of the line ; a 
run into Rapid City, probably to Deadwood and Fort Fetterman, in the mountains. 
This would give us a chance at the antelope, elk, and black-tail deer. 

That same day we side-tracked at Heron Lake, a beautiful lake in Jackson 
County, Minnesota. Charles and myself went after chickens, and the Senator, 
Doctor, and all the ladies went fishing. Mike and Sam remained to look after the 
car. 

After the last of the party had left and were out of sight, Mike said : 

‘ ^ Phwhat fun bees there, Sam, in gaily voortin’ acrost the perary wid thim 
pinter dogs, an’ bangin’ at thim little birruds?” 

^^Didyo’ ever shoot dat a way, Mike? De fun cums in de doin’ of hit. 
Dat’s my holt — shootin’ on de wing.” 

As they were talking, a raw-boned inhabitant came up to the car and asked if 
the gentlemen wanted any more hunting dogs. 

Sam whispered in an undertone to Mike : 

Let’s git dat dorg an’ have a shoot roun’ de kyar here. Kin’ o’ keep one 
eye on de kyar an’ de odder on de shootin’.” 

Oi’ll go yez,” Mike answered. And then, addressing the man, said : 

^Ms phwhat yez call it, a pinter ? ” 

Yes, you bet he is, mister. The best dog in the State of Minnesoty.” 
^^How much are yez chargin’ fur the use av him boye th’ day?” 

Well, will a dollar be too much ? ” said the man. 

If yez can’t git anny more, it ain’t. We’llthry him a whist at it annyway.” 
The dog was tied to the car, and as the man was moving off Mike asked 
him what his name was. 

^‘Johnston — James Johnston — is my name.” 

Naw ! The name av the bloodhound here.” 

Oh ! the dog’s name. Call him Rover.” 

Phwhat duz yez call him Rover fur ? ” said Mike, with a wink at Sam. 
‘^Because that’s his name, mister,” said Johnston, with a knowing nod 
at Sam. 

^^Dat’s de time, Irish, yo’ got lef on a green-looking kentry-jake. De yaller 
hammer’s don’ go knockin’ roun’ a dead stump fur nothin’.” 



“WELL, Y0» HIT HIM DAT TIME, MIKE!'* 


( 116 ) 



THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


117 


The boys found one of my guns, and filling their pockets with cartridges, 
carefully locked the car, and went back over the track a short distance and then 
struck across the country. Sam carried the gun, and at last coming on some 
chickens he bagged several of them. The dog did behave admirably. Mike, who 
had been trudging along behind Sam, seeing the birds fall, was anxious to try 
his hand at it. 

'‘Oril show yez the Blackwather way av handlin’ a gun,'’ he said, as Sam 
handed the gun over to him. And with head erect, and a tread that resembled a 
St. Patrick’ s Day parade, Mike went ahead. 

After a time, the dog ran into a covey of birds. One by one the dog raised them, 
and as often Mike missed. At last, he saw several on the ground ahead of the 
dog, and without waiting to risk the chance of a wing shot, fired at them as they 
were. The dog gave a bound in the air, and then commenced a mad race around 
the field, whining and howling. 

Howly Murther ! the canine has tuk a fit, Sam. Luk at the loikes av him ! 

Huh puppy, huh, huh, huh ” 

Load her up, Mike, load her up ! De dog is gone mad, shuah.'” 

Mike made a frantic effort to get the gun loaded quickly, and when he had 
done so cocked both barrels and stood on the defensive. The dog, in the mean- 
time, kept growing quieter, and after a f eAv struggles turned over on his side, dead. 
The two sportsmen advanced very cautiously, Mike in front and Sam in the rear. 
When they reached the dog, they found the blood oozing from numerous Avounds 
in his side. 

‘‘Well, yo’ hit him dat time, Mike ! Yo’ shot de dog. Gosh ! what’ll we 
do?” 

“ Oi’ll be dombed if Oi know. Do yez think Oi put thim holes in him, or he 
got thim runnin’ an’ tumblin’ through the AA^eeds this lasht minit ? Pon me sowl, 
wuz he sthuffed wid salt or pepper yez cud by a little shakin’ make a firsht-strait 
kitchin utinsil Avid him.” 

“ I think we got in a fix dis time, Mike. Mebbe dis dog is one of dese yere — 
what yo’ call em's — fiel dogs.” 

“ Yez kin lay yez lasht cint that he aint that kind av a dog now, annyway.” 

Without looking to see if the birds were killed by Mike’s last shot they took 
a bee-line for the car. They reached it in due time. Sam carefully cleaned the 
gun, and the rest of the day they kept a sharp lookout for the owner of the dog. 


118 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


Just before we returned in the evening the owner came around. Mike was stand- 
ing in the door as he came around the corner of the car. 

“ Hello, mister ! yer back, aint ye ? Have any luck ? I kind of been watch- 
ing fer you, but not seein’ the dog anywheres around, thought you hadn’t got 
back.” 

“ Yis ; a foine dog. Oi niver shot over a bettherwan,” said Mike. Reaching 
down in his pocket he pulled out a dollar and very politely handed it to Mr. 
Johnston. 

“ Thankee. Where did you leave the dog ? Down in the town ? ” 

“Why, no ! ” said Mike, a little surprised. “Didyez not give a man ordhers 
till cum an’ git him ? A man wid slouch hat, an’ pants in his boots, cum along 
here, an’ Oi wuz sittin’ on the railin’ there fadin’ the pinter, an’ he sez, ‘ Hello 
Rover’ ! an’ thin to me, ‘That dog is thebistin the State av Minnesoty,’ an’ Oi sez 
tm him, ‘ Oi belave yez.’ An he sez, ‘ Oi’ll take him up till the ranch, an’ tell him,’ 
that’s yon, ^ Oi’ll fetch him back to-morry.’ ” 

A feller with black hair and whiskers ? ” said Johnston. 

^^The very same,” answered Mike. 

‘‘ Oh, that’s all right— that’s a brother of mine.” 

Oi thought he wuz all roight, or Oi wud not let him had him. Oi’ll be back 
in a week or two an’ Oi want the same pinter, do yez moind ? ’ ’ 

Johnson rolled the dollar around in his hand, and finally sliding it into his 
pocket, went back the same way he had come. 

Sam had been in the entrance-way, his face having the appearance of skim- 
milk. At the successful termination of the interview he drew a long breath of 
relief. 

^ ^ Golly ! I wisht we wuz all aboard an’ hitched to the ’spress an’ gitten 
out’n heyr.” 

or 11 go yez on that,” said Mike. 

The boys were in a state of nervous expectancy until we pulled out the next 
morning, and not until then did they dare to show their heads outside the car. 


After a long and continuous ride we reached Sioux City on the Missouri 
River. Here answering telegrams reached the Senator concerning the arrange- 
ments for the wedding. Mrs. Snowden was worried concerning the freak,” as she 
termed it, of Miss Blount, who was under her espionage; but when telegrams 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


119 


from her parents reached ns of their pleasure at their daughter’s choice, she again 
resumed her usual tranquility. The Senator was mysteriously sending telegrams 
and letters, and at every station of any importance he received replies. Madge 
was unusually inquisitive, but the Senator was non-committal, saying this was his 
part of the romance. 

Why, I will tell you how it will come about,” he said one day. We will 
reach a certain town in Wisconsin on our return trip, and we will be met by all 
our friends. They wire me they will be there in a special car from Chicago. 
We will then join cars, and while we are returning toward home you and Charles 
will join hands.” 

“Oh, is that not romantic ! ” she said. 

“ And then it will be different from the usual way of conducting a ceremony, 
and when you get older you can with pleasure relate to your children how you 
were married on the cars, and ’ ’ 

“ I think you are real mean ! ” said Madge, blushing, and ran off, leaving the 
Senator to his writing. 

Congratulatory messages were received from all their friends. The Dennises 
were heard from at Pierre. They were just departing overland in wagons to 
Deadwood. Promising to meet us shortly — ^they would come, and when we again 
met, arrangements could be completed. 

We pushed rajDidly on until we reached the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri 
Valley Railroad. The Senator and myself were exceedingly anxious for a day or 
two at the antelope, and having this in mind, we pushed on as rapidly as comfort 
would allow, and at last reached Fort Niobrara. We here side-tracked and 
made immediate arrangements for a wagon trip north to the headwaters of the 
Keha Paha. 

A stream was reached about sunset next evening, a branch of the Keha 
Paha, that looked so cool and inviting that we decided to pitch our camp. A 
tent and cooking utensils were taken with us. The stakes were soon set and the 
tent raised. Cooking supper consisted principally in building a fire, as we had 
brought everything prepared from the car. The man we picked up for a guide 
and driver had been a plainsman all his life and was brimful of experiences, and 
that night we listened to him tell stories. 

A camp-fire will bring out all the poetry of a man’ s nature. I had a guide 
once in the North, an ignorant man, who confessed he had never looked inside of 


120 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


a book, and confessed that he could not write his own name, who nightly, around 
our fire of large cedar logs, would give voice to the most poetical phases of out- 
door life; and one evening he told of a beautiful display of the aurora borealis 
that he had once witnessed, and made the description in such an unpretending 
way and in such simple, chaste language that he little thought that I would 
remember the circumstance and his story, probably as long as I live. This same 
man afterward stole a large raft of logs, and with a helper ran them down the 
" >er, cutting every dam in his way, got them all gathered at the mouth of the 
river, sold them, and skipped with the money. 

But I am off my subject a little. One story he told that evening of a 
buffalo hunt I took down as soon as I got back to the car. With the help of 
the Senator and Dr. Snowden, who were likewise impressed with his easy com- 
mand of language, I was able to write it out almost word for word. 

Jim, the guide, sitting on the ground near us, with his weatherbeaten but 
expressive face lit up by occasional hashes of the fire, told us this story : 


A BATTLE WITH A BUFFALO. 

A grand sport, gentlemen, this buffalo hunting on horseback on the open 
plains, where a fair chance is given the shaggy beast. I recall with keen enjoy- 
ment a chase once taken through the tall prairie grasses about Battle River in the 
Saskatchewan country. 

One morning, soon after sunrise, I crossed the crest of a grassy knoll, to see 
emerging from a ravine below and ahead, a single bull buffalo, whose black mane 
and shaggy dewlaps nearly reached the dank prairie grasses through which he 
walked. Though not in quest of game, the sight roused all the sportsman’s 
instincts in me ; so, dismounting behind the hill, I tightened the girths, replaced 
shot with balls, and remounting, rode over the ridge. As I came in view of the huge 
beast, stalking slowly away after his morning drink, his head was thrown up, one 
steady look given, then around he turned and made for the open bluffs beyond. 
Instantly I followed, and the horse, partaking of his master’s excitement, 
answered gallantly to my call. Sharply I urged him forward with voice and spur 
until the wild charge became a headlong chase. Tlien rising in my stirrups, I 
took a snap shot at my game. The bullet struck him in the flanks. Quick as 
lightning he wheeled down upon me, and it was my turn to run. The boot 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


121 


was decidedly on the other leg. If I had before pushed the horse toward the 
buffalo with whip and spur, still more urgently did I now endeavor, under the 
changed condition of affairs, to make him increase the distance between us. John 
Gilpin never thundered along the road as I did down the grassy incline, with 
that huge beast gaining on me at every stride. Looking back over my shoulder, 
I could see him close to my horse’s tail, with lowered head, and eyes Hashing 
furiously under their shaggy fringe of hair. It seemed almost as if I could feel 
his hot breath on the back of my neck. 

Instinctively I gathered myself for a fall, for it appeared that nothing could 
prevent pursuer and pursued from coming into wild collision in another instant. I 
even picked out a grassy spot on which to alight. As the pony maintained his 
distance, however, I bethought of me of another chance. Turning in my saddle, I 
threw my gun over the crupper, at arm’ s length, with the muzzle full upon the 
buffalo’s head, and fired. It was a centre shot; the ball struck him in the centre 
of the forehead, but he only shook his head when he received it. Still it served to 
check his pace somewhat, and as soon as we reached level ground the horse began 
to gain a little on him. 

It was now the bull’s turn to change his tactics, and quite as suddenly as he 
had charged he wheeled and made off. 

After so long a run I could not think of losing him, so I turned and dashed 
after him at a rattling pace. Riding alongside, this time a shot fired low behind 
the shoulder brought my fierce friend to bay. Proudly he turned toward me, rage 
in his eye, but with a bearing at once calm and stately. He pawed the ground, and 
blew with short, angry snorts the long grass till it swayed to and fro. Moving thus 
slowly toward me he seemed the very personification of brute strength and angry 
pride. But his last moment had come. 

I have not thought of the occurrence for years, but to-night I recall vividly all 
the wild accessories of the scene — the great silent waste, the noble beast, death- 
stricken, but defiant; but no language can picture the coloring of the sky and 
plain, no sound can echo back the music of that breeze, sighing mournfully 
through the long grasses; no pencil paint the east, ablaze with gold and green and 
the thousand glories of the prairie sunrise. All this lasted only a moment, for the 
giant bull, still advancing slowly toward me with bent head and angry snorts, sank 
quietly to the plain and stretched his limbs in death. 

I am not more sentimental than ordinary men, and have done a fair share of 


122 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 



killing, but I should like to be able to call that grim old bull back to life. 
Never since that morning have I taken the life of one of his kind. Now the 

race is nearlv extinct. 


Just before going into camp that evening 
we had noticed numerous antelope signs, and 
while not seeing any bands of them were 
certain we were in a region where they were 
plenty. 

We had left the ladies and Carlisle behind. 
I do not think Carlisle felt slighted at our 
failure to invite him along with us. His inter- 
est in Madge was so all-absorbing, and hers 
in him, that had he been anxious to go she 
would have persuaded him out of it, for fear 
he might be accidentally shot. 

Early next morning, 
before sunrise, I was 
up, and after making a 
hot cup of coifee for 
myself left the camp 
and the party undis- 
turbed and followed the 
creek up toward an ele- 
vation or butte several 
miles distant. Without 
thinking of game or my 
errand, I walked care- 
lessly along, enjoying 
keenly the clear, soft 
morning air. I think I 


ON THE ST CROIX. oveii wMstlod. 

I have a Chicago friend, H., who was born and raised within the city limits, 
and though of a family of moderate means, had never been outside of the county. 
Several years ago he joined some friends in a fishing trip to one of the Upi)er 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


123 


Micliigan lakes, so numerous along the whole line of the Milwaukee Division of 
the Chicago &: North-Western Railroad. The fresh woods and the invigorating air 
so animated him that it was hard for the l est of his friends to keep him within 
bounds. The morning after camp was made, when the party arose they found H. 
missing. They waited for him for some time, but he did not appear. As they 
were sitting down to breakfast they heard the most unearthly yells from an island 
half a mile down the lake. They answered him, but still the hallooing continued. 
Dropping their forks and coffee-cups his friends sj)rang into a boat, and at every 
succeeding yell from him they increased proportionately their speed. When 
they reached him they found him perched on a tree that had fallen over the 
water, calmly swinging his feet and looking the picture of contentment. When 
asked what were his motives in making such throat-splitting noises, he said : 

' ^ I have often thought I should like to yell all I wanted to, and 1 never 

had a chance before, and I am going to yell all I d d j)lease.” And again he 

commenced. 

I was, however, brought to myself by seeing a deer jump from a bunch of alders 
not ten steps from me, and before I could recover from my surprise was gone. 
Proceeding more cautiously than before, I reached the foot of the butte, but 
without seeing any more game. 

The twilight had given w^ay to day, and the morning was unusually clear. 
Going to a higher elevation, I took out my glasses and surveyed the immediate 
surrounding country. Nearly a mile to the south I discovered a large band of 
antelope feeding. With a quickening of the pulse I snapped my glasses into 
their case and started. The country was undulating, with regular rises and 
depressions. Moving very cautiously when approaching the crest of a rise to 
see if any game was in the next depression, I passed over half the distance. On 
approaching the next rise and peering over the summit I was disappointed in 
seeing only two antelope feeding on the opposite slope. The large band that I 
had hoped to reach were still beyond ; these two, if frightened, might stampede 
the large band. I got down on my hands and knees and crept on a little farther 
unobserved. The antelope were barely seventy-five yards away. I fired. The 
largest one fell, and the other, giving a few bounds, stopped bewildered, not 
knowing in which route lay her safety. Her indecision was fatal. Another ring 
from my Bullard, and she, too, lay lifeless. 

Jumping up and replacing my hat, I was just in the act of throwing in 


124 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


another cartridge when the large band came flying over the hill toward me. They 
had got half way down before I was noticed, at which they divided and ran up and 
down the valley. As they turned I shot several times into the black mass of 
them, but it only accelerated their speed, leaving me standing there wondering 
where the bullets could have gone, if not through an antelope. 

I reached camj) at ten o’clock and sent the teamster back for the game. When 
I went to the creek for a drink of water it had mysteriously dried up. Along 
about four o’clock that afternoon it commenced running again and continued 
all night. Our guide knew of this and had drawn enough to supply ourselves 
and the animals during the day. 

That evening the Senator and Dr. Snowden went down the creek to a game 
crossing, and just at sundown the Senator secured a good shot at a deer coming 
down to drink, which he got. Fresh venison and antelope steak made an 
appreciable addition to our supper that evening. 

At four o'clock the next morning we were on our homeward journey, the 
camp marked only by a few embers and meat tins, a shank of venison and antelope 
bones — good picking for the coyotes the next night. 


We reached our car in time to catch the regular train west, and without 
change or delay we reached Rapid City, the new Eldorado of the Black Hills. The 
North-Western System is the only line^into the Hills. 

We left the car and staged it into Deadwood, and the next day the Dennises 
arrived, delighted with their overland trip. The meeting between Madge and 
Dennis was embarrassing to both of them. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were profuse in 
their congratulations to Madge and Charles. Before the day was over it was 
noticed that Miss Putney and Dennis were on very friendly terms. The next day, 
the Sabbath, they visited us in our car at Rapid City. Early Monday morning 
the parties consolidated for a trip to the end of the line. Fort Fetterman. 

A sight of the mountains was a relief to the eyes from the monotony of the 
plains country. The North Fork of the Platte, clear and cold, flows'-easterly under 
the brow of the fort. The Senator and myself s]3ent several days on the 
neighboring streams with grand success as to catching trout. Young Carlisle and 
Dennis, Madge and Miss Putney, took a light wagon and went north to a ranch of 
a New York friend of Carlisle’s, located on a branch of the Cheyenne. They did 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


126 


not return until late the second night. They described the visit as one of the 
most pleasant excursions of the whole trip. 

Mr. Carlisle’s friend, a Mr. B., had come west the year before with a young 
wife and settled here. They came across with their own outfit. Both husband and 
wife had been raised within sight of Trinity Church and were of wealthy parents, 
and their friends predicted that they would not stand the rough country and 
cattle-raising six months. But our party found them perfectly delighted with 
their surroundings. 

think I would be delighted with such a life myself,” said Miss. Putney. 
^^Mrs. B. has servants, an elegant house, if it is built of logs, has a fine saddle- 
horse, and rides with her husband every day all over the ranch, goes hunting with 
him, and is better acquainted with Wyoming cattle brands than she is with the 
latest opera. And just think, a gentleman and his wife ran over to make an 
evening call, they said, last evening, and they lived at the nearest ranch, fifteen 
miles down the river ! ’ ’ 

The next day we were invited to take dinner at the fort, and that evening the 
officers were invited to the car. Our space had to be ecomonized, but the car was 
equal to the occasion. 

Early next morning we started on our return journey. The Dennises took the 
same train back with us as far as Omaha, but having friends in Mankato that they 
desired to visit, left us there, promising to meet us the following Tuesday at 
Beloit, Wisconsin, where the friends from the East were to join us. 

We came east over the Galena Division by easy stages, and did not change 
until Dixon, Illinois, was reached. 

By a special invitation of Judge Chartres we were carried over a short stretch 
of the Illinois Central road to his summer residence on Rock River. His 
residence, ^^Hazlewood,” is one of the most charming places in America. The 
house stands on a bold bluff, two hundred feet above the Rock River. The view 
to the north is beautiful; the landscape lies below you, and the hazy atmosphere 
of that September day only lent additional charm to the picture. 

Governor Chartres, a brother of the Judge, whose monument now crowns the 
crest of one of the bluffs along the river on the estate, gave Hazlewood a name for 
hospitality that was world-wide. With a number of others who left Ireland for 
political troubles some fifty years ago, he settled here on the Rock River. These 
exiles brought considerable wealth with them, or merely transferred their belong- 


126 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


ings and estates from one hemisphere to the other. They settled in the same 
neighborhood and lived in what was termed regal style fifty years ago. The house 
is still standing, in very fair condition, and is noted for its generousness of wide- 
mouthed chimneys, around which the most celebrated men of two worlds have 
gathered. Many a song and story have rung through its corridors while the 
poker was in the fire, sparkling with heat, to be plunged into a pot of cider or 
whisky as soon as it was ended. 

AVe spent the next day on the river, going as far north as the picturesque 
town of Grand Detour. In the evening the salon was thrown open and a couple 
rustic fiddlers in one corner to keep us in motion, with the good things the Judge 
provided very frequently from the cellar below, made us spend the most enjoyable 
evening of the trip. AVhen at last we retired, we slept soundly in the quaint, 
low-ceiling bed-rooms which had that pleasant fresh odor of an old-fashioned 
country farm-house. 

c/ 

The ravines and recesses of Hazlewood were the hiding-places of Black Hawk 
during his campaign in 1832, and to this day the wolves make its rocky caves 
their retreats after excursions to adjacent henneries. 

Tuesday morning we returned to the car, and after a few hours’ run reached 
Beloit. AVe were transferred to the Chicago & North- AVestern line, and upon 
reaching the depot found an elegantly appointed car standing alone on a side- 
track, and Mr. Carlisle and his wife stood on the platform. The cars were shortly 
coupled together, and we were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Blount. AVe were just 
getting acquainted with each other, when the train from the North came thunder- 
ing in and the Dennises came aboard. Introductions were gone through with 
again. It was a merry gathering — a marry crowd,” as Mr. Carlisle called it. 

The car Mr. Carlisle had engaged was stripped of all its furniture. It was 
profusely decorated with fiowers, and in the centre hung a huge wedding-bell, of 
rosebuds, with the monogram C. B.,” in violets on its side. In the other end of 
the car was an elegant assortment of plate and cut glass. The dressing-rooms in 
the extreme end were reserved for the bride. 

The Senator was radiant. Slapping the elder Carlisle on the back with such 
force that he complained of several loose vertebrae, he said : 

Carlisle, you have everything perfect ! I have been in a frenzy telegraphing 
you, but you have received every line I sent you from the looks of things. But, 
gracious ! how about a minister ? ” 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 


127 


I never tlionglit of it!” Carlisle said, with a look of blank stupidity on 
his face. 

The Senator rushed for his hat, and leaving the car was soon rattling over 
the pavements, hailing every one he met as to the nearest way to the house of 
the Episcopalian minister. 

The Senator, on reaching his residence, ran up the steps and gave the bell 
such a pull that it must have sounded like a fire-alarm in the kitchen. He had 
not long to wait. The rector himself came hurriedly to the door, attired in a 
loose dressing-gown. His brows were knit and his head elevated, looking 
through his glasses to examine carefully what it was that had so alarmed his 
reverential meditations. 

‘‘Come — Mr. — get on your gowns — wedding. My name is Hanna. I have 
a carriage waiting. We haven't a minute to spare. I’ll wait out here, but we 
are in a dreadful ’ ’ 

“But, my dear sir, you are hurried. I take this to be a runaway match; 
and a gentleman of your age of life ought not to enter into a tie that ’ ’ 

“ Me 1 Get married ? You confounded — I beg your oardon, Mr. ” 

“ Jamieson,” the dominie interrupted. 

‘* Mr. Jamieson. I see I have to explain matters. “ I have lost enough time 
now. I’ll come in and talk it over with you.” And with an air of resignation 
he went into the minister’ s dark little parlor, with its spatter- work pictures and 
hair-cloth furniture, and seating himself, told hurriedly the circumstances in as 
concise a manner as possible, winding up by saying the whole party were at the 
depot now. 

“The parents of the contracting parties know of this affair ?” asked the 
minister very coolly. 

“You might run down to the car and see; they are all there together,” said 
Hanna. 

The dominie hemmed, got up and walked around a little, called his wife, 
told her the circumstances, asked her advice, and finally concluded he would 
go. He soon aj)peared, and, telling his wife he would be back to dinner, got 
into the carriage, and the Senator giving an extra dollar to the driver to 
hurry, they were soon going at a pace that would have barred the horses in the 
2.30 class. 

The car was soon reached. An engine with steam up was coupled to the cars. 



THE CEREMONY WAS SOON OVER. 


( 128 ) 











THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS, 


129 


and on the arrival of the Senator and Kev. Jamieson, Mr. Carlisle went forward, 
and giving the word to the conductor the train started. 

The minister thought it was probably a little tour the train was taking and 
gave liimself no uneasiness. When he had his gown arranged he appeared, 
and taking his place a little back of the bell, was soon met by the contracting 
parties. 

Suddenly the Senator’s face paled. He looked at Carlisle and said, in a 
hoarse whisper, ^^The license!” but the minister had already commenced the 
ceremony. 

Madge looked beautiful, and Charles, in his suit just arrived from New York, 
was just ^^too sweet for anything,” as Miss Putney told Madge. The ladies 
looked especially well dressed, considering that they were traveling. Mike and 
Sam stood in the background ; Mike had on his dress suit, and Sam a faultlessly 
white caj) and apron. 

The ceremony was soon over, and then came the congratulations. When it 
came Dennis’ turn he kissed the bride with a vehemence that meant it was his 
last chance. 

I told Madge that it was on this same track which we were now riding over 
that I found my Cassie. What a coy old thing the North-Western is,” she said. 

The wedding presents were a house and lot on West One Hundred and 
Twenty-fourth street. New York, from Mr. Carlisle; its entire furniture from Mr. 
and Mrs. Blount; a set of diamonds from the Senator, and many less costly 
remembrances from the rest of the friends. 

As we were sitting down to dinner the minister showed the first signs of 
uneasiness. 

Do we not return to Beloit this evening ? ” he timidly asked of the Senator. 

With a smile something akin to malicious, he replied : 

I do not know that we will ever be there again. We go through without a 
stop to Chicago.” 

But, my dear sir, this is unexpected. My wife awaits me for dinner now.” 

‘‘Yon dine with us to-day, Mr. Jamieson. We must insist on it.” 

But I am unprepared for a journey ” 

Just then young Carlisle handed him a plethoric-looking envelope. The 
Senator laughingly said : 

I do not think you will have to walk home, from appearances.” 


130 


THE LITTLE BLIND GOD ON RAILS. 

L’ ENVOI. 


Tlie last time I visited the Carlisles, Madge and Charles, they were so proud 
over a little tiny bit of baby that they could hardly talk of anything else. 
Grandma Blount and Grandma Carlisle were there, vieing with each other as to 
how much saffron tea its little hide would hold. 

I looked on with amusement. Had the ‘‘Little Blind God,” who came so 
near mixing matters on that trip we took a year ago, have seen it, he would have 
smiled too at this happy denouement of that glorious excursion. 


THE END. 


s 



The Queen City of Dakota. 


Population, June, 1878, 

1880, 


i ( 


1 1 


679 Population, June, 1885, 

2,190 “ December, 1887, 


7,205 

12,057 


Sioux Falls is to Dakota wl^at Onqaha is to Nebraska, aqd tl^e twin cities, St, Paul aqd Miqqeapolis, to 

Minnesota. Her geograplqical locatioq rqakes t]er tlqe Corr[mercial Metropolis 

and gateway of this portion of the great North[west. 



These are the FOUR SOURCES of the WORLD’S WEALTH, and 

SIOUX FALLS HAS THEM ALL. 


WlOUX FALLS is the county geat of Minnehaha County, which, with 
N? its rich, deep alluvial soil, its fair rolling prairies, dotted here and 
U there by beautiful lakes, and watered by many clear and unfailing 
streams, is of all sections of the Great West the most desirable 
for agricnltural pursuits. Nature has lavished on this county especial 
favors; for, besides her unsiirpassably rich soil and wealth of native 
grasses, her water powers and granite (or quartzite) deposits ensure for 
her a great future. Even now may be seen in Chicago, Omaha, and 
other largo cities, miles of the finest paving in the world, which has 
been cut from our quarries; and Sioux Falls polished Granite is fast 
gaining a name which will be as famous as Scotch granite or Italian or 
Tennessee marble. Within this county are water-powers of greater total 
driving capacity than the combined water-powers of the rest of the terri- 
tory East of the Missouri River. These waterfalls, which are already 
partially utilized in driving six flouring mills and one large granite 
polishing outfit are, with their natural environments, extremely pictur- 
esque, eufliciently relieving the monotony of their prairie surroundings. 


Sioux Falls has five systems of railroads— the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul, the Chicago North-Western, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids 
& Northern, the Illinois Central, and the St. Paul, Minneapolis & 
Manitoba, the latter connecting her directly with the navigation of the 
great lakes at Duluth— with the assurance of three more in the imme 
diate future. 

Besides a complete system of graded public schools, with four large 
three-storied brick school buildings, Sioux Falls has the Sioux Falls 
University (Baptist); All Saints School, boarding and day schools for 
young ladies, with eleven teachers (Episcopal); St. Rose Academy 
(Catholic); and Normal School (Norwegian Lutheran); also, fifteen 
church organizations and fourteen church edifices, four national banks, 
one savings bank, two trust companies, two fire insurance companies, 
two daily, five weekly, one semi-monthly and two monthly newspapers, 
and manufactories employing 790 men. The city is supplied with gas, 
electric light (arc and incandescent), waterworks, street railway system 
and telephone exchange. 


INDUSTRIES NEEDED, AND THAT WOULD PAY IN SIOUX FAILS. 

WHOLESALE HOUSES of all kinds would command all the trade of South Dakota, and much of that of 
Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, on account of location and superior transportation facilities. 
MANUFACTORIES, especially Canning and Starch Factories, Plow, Carriage and Agricultural Implement 
Works, Woolen, Linseed Oil and Oat Meal Mills. 

A bonus would be given in many cases to manufacturing industries. 

For further particulars, address 

PRESIDENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 



Tiusi Coiaiiy, 


SIOUX FALLS, DAKOTA. 

Paid-up Capital, $50,000. Incorporated, 1883. 


Money invested for Eastern Capitalists, principal and Interest guaranteed. Real Estate bought and sold. Have for sale 
a large list of Farm Lands and choice bargains In Sioux Falls City Property. Correspondence Solicited. 

REFERENCES: Commercial National Bank, Chicago, 111.; Galena National Bank, Galena, 111.; Sioux Falls National Bank, Sioux Falls, Dak. 



Is a Concentrated EXTRACT OP MALT AND HOPS. Aids Digestion, Tones and Strengthens the System, and 

Restores Soimd, Refreshing Sleep. 

TRAVELERS AND TOURISTS 

Can find nothing better than “BEST” TONIC. It is conveniently prepared, is refreshing, enervating and 
invigorating. All Druggists sell it. Send for Descriptive Circulars and Picture of Mrs. Cleveland free : 

Specialty Department, PH. BEST BREWING CO., Milwaukee, Wis. 




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CITY CN THE GLOBE. 





CITY OF PIERRE 


HUGHES COUNTY, DAKOTA. 




This beautiful and enterprising city is located upon the east bank of the Missouri River, at the 
terminus of the main line of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and is 

DIRECTLY OPPOSITE 

The center of that part of the Great Sioux Reservation, a bill for opening 

which has passed Congress. 


12,000,000 Acres for Settlers. 


The following are among its numerous advantages: 



It has the only steam ferry across the Missouri adjoining this Reservation. 
It has many substantial brick blocks. 

It is the county seat, with a $35,000 court house. 

It has a large packing house. 

It has vast coal and mineral fields within 100 miles. 

It has an elevator. 

It has large brick yards of the finest material. 

It has a street railway with one and one-half miles in operation. 

It has a fine system of water works with five miles of mains. 

It has a beautiful park. 

It has metropolitan hotels. 

It has purest water and most healthful climate. 

It has excellent public schools and churches of all leading denominations. 
It has the seat of Pierre University, with $35,000 improvements. 

It is the location of the United States Indian School. 



Bridge charters for this point have been granted to two railroad corporations. 

Surveys are being made by and right of way secured for new railroads. 

The superior advantages which Nature here offers for a city of great commercial importance is 
conceded. 

The magnificent agricultural and pastoral lands both east and west of us assure a basis of wealth. 
Our geographical location demands here the principal city west of the Mississippi, between par- 
allels 43 and 48. 

We invite corresDondence and welcome all. 

1 

Pierre Board oe Trade. 


THE 


Chicago ^ 
North-Western 

Railway. 


I '^HIS great thoroughfare, upon which so many of the 
brightest scenes and incidents of this book are laid, is 
the PIONEER ROUTE — opening to settlement and civil- 
ization the Great Empire of THE NORTHWEST. 

Its main line and numerous branches penetrating the' 
most fertile regions of 


Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, 

\ 

Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, 
Nebraska and Wyoming, 


promoted that phenomenal growth and prosperity which has 
been the admiration and wonder of the world. 



A perfectly constructed roadway, modern equipment, and 
admirable train service throughout its entire system of over 
7,000 miles, render the Chicago & North-Western Railway 
the most available, and deservedly the most popular, avenue 
from Chicago to all regions of the Great Northwest, as well 
as to the Far West and to the Pacific Slope. 

To Seekers after New Homes, its Land Exploring Ex- 
cursions at frequent intervals and low rates are commended. 

To Tourists and Seekers after Health and Pleasure, the 
innumerable resorts in the 

Enchanted Summerland 


present ever-varying attractions. 

To Business Men and Transcontinental Travelers, the 
EAST TRAINS over the North-Western, equipped with 
every modern appliance for the promotion of security and 
luxury, stand unrivaled. 

Eull information in every detail can be secured by appli- 
cation to ANY Coupon Ticket Agent, or to the General 
Passenger Agent of the Chicago & North-Western Railway, 
at Chicago. 

J. M. WHITMAN H. C. WICKER, E. P. WILSON, 

General Manager. Traffic Manager. Gen I Passenger Agent. 


A. H. DAVIS, Prks’t. 

G. R. MONTAGUE, Vice-Pres’t 


J. A. EDWARDS, Sec’t, 
S. S. BURTON, Treas. 




F. P. WALLIS, Gen’l Manager. 




MANUFACTURERS OP 

FAMILY CARRIAGES 

Buggies, 

PHAETONS, 

Etc., Etc. 



ALSO 

Dealers in 

SPRINGS, AXLES, 

Wheels, 

AND 

\ 

Carriage Goods. 


OFFICE AND WORKS: 


Cor. Third and Badger Sts., LA CROSSE, WIS. 

Branch Office and Salesroom, 50 West Third Street, St. Paul, Minn. 

A. P, CRAY, Manager. 


ARMOUR &, CO. 

PACKERS AND JOBBERS OF PROVISIONS 

Office, 205 La Salle Street, Chicago. 

Pork, Beef, Lard, Hams, California Hams, Boneless Hams, Shoulders, Breakfast Bacon, Dried Beef. 

Sausage, Fresh Beef and Pork Cuts, Pickled Goods, Butterine, Oils, Dressed Beef, Dressed Sheep, Dressed Hogs. 

ASK FOR ARMOUR’S “STAR BRAND HAMS" AND BONELESS BACON. 

(Every piece Las the name of Armour & Co. burnt in the Skin.) 


ARMOUR CANNING CO., 

205 LA SALLE STREET. 

Packers and Jobbers of 

CANNED MEATS AND SOUPS. 


ARMOUR GLUE WORKS, 

205 LA SALLE STREET. 

Manufacturers of 

GIUE FOR ALL PURPOSES, NEATSFOOT OIL, BONE MEAL, ETC. 


L. H. HOLE, President. J. W. CAMPBELL. Secretary 

W. N. COLER, JR., Vice-President. J. H. MILLER, Treasurer. 

Organized in 1882. Incorporated, 1887, 

Capital Stock, $1,000,000. Paid-up Capital, $200,000. 

Dakota farm Mortgage DoDipann, 


HURON, DAKOTA, 

AND 

I I Pine Street, New York. 

A SPECIALTY = 

Six per cent, semi-annual interest-bearing debenture bonds of this 
Com^ny, secured by an equal amount of conservative first lien South- 
east Dakota Farm Mortgages, in the hands of Trustees, as vr ell as by 
the Capital Stock of the Company. 

Also, conservative investments made direct for investors at low rates. 


TOE HOST OfllOm BOOS 

OF HURON, DAK. 

United States Depository for Public Moneys. 


Capital Stock, $ 75 , 000 . 


Surplus, $ 37 , 500 . 


J. W. CAMPBELL, President. J. W. MACKENZIE, Cashier. 

W. N. COLER, JR., Vice-President. E. J. MILLER, Ass’t Cashiei'. 

DIRECTORS ; 

W. N. Coler, Jr. Carey A. Fowler, J W. Campbell. 

Jno. H. Miller. R. W. Holmes. 

National Park Bank, New York; Koontze Bros., New York; W. N. Coler & Co., 
New York; Merchants’ Nat’l Bank, St. Paul; Union Nat’l Bank, Chicago. 







HENRY UIHLEIN, President 


ALFRED UIHLEIN, Superintendent. 

ESTABLISHED, 1848. 


AUG. UIHLEIN, Secretary 



MaVLEISS 


CAPACITY, 600,000 BARRELS ANNUALLY. 

Joseph Schlitz Brewipg Go. 

MilaWaukre., Wis. 

We Brew and Bottle the following famous Brands: 


PILSENER, 

EXTRA STOUT, 

EXTRA PALE. 


All of these have been thoroughly introduced, both at home and abroad, and owing to their 

superior merit enjoy a world-wide reputation. 

Applications for prices and terms will receive prompt attention. 







GHerles City Horse iirmortifly Go. 

IMPORTERS AND BREEDERS OP 

PERCHERON, CLYDESDALE, CLEVE- 
LAND BAY and SHIRE HORSES, 

AND BREEDERS OP 

SHOK/T-HOItliT O^TTLE. 


SIOUX CITY 

THE COMING 

Metropolis of the Northwest 

Is Situate on the Second Great Bend of the 
MissoUil above its mouth. 


Large importa- 
tion ot horses just 
received, every one 
of which is either 
a Government Ap- 
proved, a Prize 
Winner, or comes 
of Prize Winning 
stock. 

We can show a 
larger per cent, of 
horses weighing 
1,800 pounds and 
over than any im- 
porting company 
in America. 

Nothing import- 
ed but registered 
stock, and when 
sold guaranteed as 
represented. 

Stock cattle and 
shipping horses 
always on hand and 

WALLER BROS., Charles City, Iowa. 


This city is rapidly assuming the importance in the commercial 
world to which its natural advantages entitle it. The richest valley in 
the world (that of the upper Missouri) makes Sioux City its outlet and 
depot, and to accommodate the large and constantly increasing 
demands of the territory, railroads have been and are now being built 
from and to Sioux City, until they resemble the spokes of a great wheel. 
The waters of numerous large streams find an outlet into the Missouri at 
or near Sioux City, and commerce follows these natural courses. Man- 
ufacturers can find no better place to locate factories, and no better 
market for their manufactured wares. Capital can find no better place 
in which to invest with such sure promise of immediate and handsome 
profit. 

For information regarding Sioux City, the Corn Palace City, or 
surroundings, call upon or address 

E. W. SKINNER, 

424 Fourth St., Sioux City, Iowa. 




C. S. McLAURY, President. 

M. W. HAZEN, Vice-President, i Mui*ray Street, N. Y. 

H, G. FOWLER, Eastern Manager, New Britain, Conn. 


GEO. W. SCHEE, J. E. VAN PATTEN, 

President. Vice-President. 


C. S. McLAURY. 

Cashier. 


EMPIRE 

Lodi] aijd Inifestmeiit Gompeif 

INCORPORATED SEPT. 1st, 1885. 

CASH CAPITAL, - - - $30,000, 

Sheldon, Iowa. 

Strictly First Class Farm Loans for sale. Also Municipal Bonds. 

Interest allowed on fnnds deposited for investment 

until invested. 


No. 3848. 

First Hational Bank 


$50,000,00. 


rr 

OC 


EMRKL BANKING. 


SHELDON, 

IOWA 


( Western National Bank, - New York. 
CORRESPONDENTS: Atlas National Bank, - - Chicago. 

( First National Bank, - - Sioux City. 


NORTH CHICAGO ROLLING MILL CO. 

Established 1857 . Capital, $ 6 , 000 , 000 . Surplus, $ 2 , 500 , 000 . Incorporated 1869 . 

Manufacturers of Iron and Steel Nails, Merchant Bar, Fish Plates, Pig Metal, and 

Bessemer Steel Rails- 



Fish Plates 35,000 “ 

Merchant Bar 50,000 “ i 

Pig Metal 425 , 000 

Steel Hails. 325,000 “ 


Total 


850,000 Gross Tons. 


t 


Works at CMcago and Soutti CMcago, 111., and at Milwaukee, Wis. 

This Company possesses facilities for the production of Iron and Steel of BEST QUALITY, 
New patterns of Rails or special sizes of Merchant Iron will be made to order. 

O. W. POTTER, E. C. POTTER, R. C. HANNAH, 

President, Chicago. Vice-President, Chicago. Secretary, Chicago. 

17 Metropolitan Block, Chicago, III. 

UFFICES. j 15 1 Northwestern Ins. Block, Milwaukee, WIs. 



^eavy Purchase Blocks, large line. Best quality Manila Rope, Packing, Etc. 

Railway Supplies. 


I 







J. E. RILEY, President. 


C. W, HUBBARD, Vice-Pres. and Mgr. 


L. A. MARSHALL, Sec'y and Treas. 



BUILDING STONE AND PAVING BLOCKS. 

Siotjx Falls Jasfep 

FOR ROCK-FACE FRONTS, A SPECIALTY, s::;* 


Genei^al Oppige, 0UAi^r^iES^U3oi^i^s ajp Sioux Falls, Dai^. 

BRANCH offices: 

4: and 5 Granite Block:, Omahia, Net). 

Opera Botise Block:, Ctiicago, 111. 

CHICAGO TELEPHONE No, 1679. 



MAPS AND GUIDES 

TO ALL OF THE 


MANUFACTURERS OF 

Common Sense Sleighs, 

Improved Freight Wagons, 

Mining, Railroad and Mill Carts, 
Spring Wagons, Trucks, Drays, 
Buckboards, Lumber Buggies. 


Principal Cities 

AND 

EVERY COUNTRY 


IN THE WORLD. 

Globes, Map Racks, Spring Map Rollers, German Maps, 
Wall and Pocket Maps, Historical Maps, Classical, Bibli- 
cal, Historical, Anatomical, Physical and General Atlases, 
of all kinds kept in stock. Address 


SPECIAL WORK MADE TO ORDER. 


Factory, Arndt Street, 

FOND DU LAC, WIS. 


RAND, MCNALLY & CO. 

Map Publishers and Engravers, 

148 to 154 Monroe Street, Chicago, ML 






Johnson & Field 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

DUSTLESS GRAIN SEPARATORS, FARM and WAREHOUSE 
FANNING MILLS and LAND ROLLERS. 

Embody more points of excellence for horse or steam power 
than any other machine now offered for similar purposes. 

Light Running, Large Capacity, Perfect in Separation, and 
with great Strength and Durability. These machines have no 
equal. Adopted and endorsed by the largest flour mills, rice mills, ele- 
vators, planters and farmers in the country. Made in different sizes, 
and adapted for cleaning and separating all kinds of grain, needs, beans, 
pease, rice and peanuts. 

For further information, circulars and prices, send to 

JOHNSON Sl field, Racine, Wis. 


ABERDEEN 



The Railway Hub of the Famous Jim River Valley, and the 
Metropolitan City of the Great Wheat Fields of Dakota. 

r\0 you want a good, sure, safe investment, one that will cause your capital to multiply beyond your most sanguine 
^ expectations in a very short time? If so, invest in ABERDEEN CITY PROPERTY, or in FARM LANDS in this vicinity. 
You can’t miss it; it is sure to reap you a handsome profit. The boom is coming, so write us at once for prices, maps, and 
descriptions of our long list of bargains. We have farms for sale for cash or credit, or to trade for stock or other Eastern 
property. We also invest and loan money for Eastern Capitalists. Eight per cent, semi-annual interest, secured on good, first 
mortgage farm loans. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. 

PETTY & DENNIS, 302 Main Street, Aberdeen, D. T. 

TJWWU'PB-Mr'ii'a . ( HAGERTT & MARPLE, Blinkers. Aberdeen, D. T.; EDMUNDS COUNTY BANK, Ipswich, D. T.; CARSON, PIRIE. 

soott & CO., Chicago, lil.; BROWN, DURRELL & CO.; Boston, Mass.; HEYWOOD BOOT & SHOE CO.,Worceeter, Mass, 



^BERDEEnST, 

^ NVITE the patronage of all parties desiring to invest money in real estate or real estate securities. 
Interest allowed on time deposits. Aberdeen is the leading city in Central Dakota ; has railroads running 
in seven directions, with four more to be built in the near future ; has a population of over 5,000 of the 
most energetic people. Churches and Schools are excellent. The sale of liquor is prohibited here. Aberdeen 
is growing rapidly, and offers excellent inducements to investors. Maps and particulars furnished upon applica- 
tion. We are always glad to furnish information to any one seeking locations for business. 


It 


OABITA.E, 


S250,000. 


-^}C INCORPORATED. 


WESTERN FARM MORTGAGE COMPANY 


OF ABERDEEN, DAKOTA, 

Offers to investors, State, County and Municipal Securities. H Guaranteed Mortgages. 
6^ Ten Year Debentures. School Bonds, bearing li<> semi-annual interest. 

Main Office, Aberdeen. Dakota. New York Office, No. 95 Tribune Building. 

A MTJNGER, President. J. G. INGALLS, Vice-President. J. A. BLANCHARD, 2d Vice-President. 

F. W. ROGERS, Secretary. M. H. KELLY, Treasurer. 





The Best Wagon is Always the Cheapest. 



SEND FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE AND PRICE LISTS OF 


FREIGHT WAGONS, LOG-TRUCKS, FARM WAGONS, 

AND 

National Tubular Wrought-Steel Self-Oiling Axle Wagons, with polished 

case-hardened Spindles and Seamless, Ground Boxes. 


ALSO MANUPAOTUEE PATENT STEEL-SKEIN WAGONS. 


Address, LA BELLE WAGON WORKS, Fond du Lac, Wrs. 




25 Teeth, with Shafts, 8 feet wide. 

25 Teeth, with Pole, 8 feet wide. 

35 Teeth, with Pole, I I feet wide. 


For Circulars and Prices address the Manufacturers, 


REVERSIBLE TOOTH HARROWS, CORN CULTIVATORS, 

AND “WESTERN FAVORITE” LAND ROLLERS. 

“FOUNTAIN CITY" BROADCAST SEEDER AND CULTIVATOR 

COMBINED, 

“FOUNTAIN CITY” DRILLS, 

FARGO PATENT V-SHAPED TOOTH HARROWS. 


WE ALSO MANUFACTURE 


Wheel & Seeder Co. 

FOND DU LAC, WIS. 


Is warranted to rake cleaner, to raise less dust, to break fewer teeth, and 
to be more easily handled than any other rake in the market. 






PULLMAN PALACE BUFFET 

COMPARTMENT SLEEPING CARS 


Ladies’ Palace Day Cars. 

The Pioneer Pullman Palace Sleeping Gar Line 

THE PIONEER DINING CAR LINE 

AND THE FIRST LINE TO RUN 

PALACE RECLINING CHAIR CARS 

FREE OF EXTRA CHARGE. 

No change of Cars of any class between 

CHICAGO AND KANSAS CITY, 

CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS, 

BLOOMINGTON AND KANSAS CITY, 
and ST. LOUIS AND KANSAS CITY. 

A PERFECT ROAD-BED. STONE BALLASTED. 
WHARTON’S SAFETY SWITCHES. 

Union Depots In Chicago, III., Bloomington, 
III., East St. Louis, III., St. Louis, Mo., and 
Kansas City, Mo. 

The Short Line and Best Route to all points in 
Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, 
New Mexico, Mexico, Arizona, Nebraska, 
Wyoming Territory, Montana Territory, 
Idaho Territory, Utah Territory, 
Nevada. California, Oregon, 
Washington Territory, etc. 

The Shortest, Quickest and Best Route 
to Memphis, Mobile, New Orleans and all 
points South reached via St. Louis. 

THE GREAT EXGURSION ROUTE 

Between the NORTH and SOUTH, and to and from 
Kansas Lands and Colorado, New Mexico and 
California Health Resorts, and the Mining 
Districts of the West and Southwest. 

For Maps, Time Tables, and all information, address 
JAMES CHARLTON, 

General Passenger and Ticket Agent, 

210 Dearborn Street, CHICAGO, ILL. 






16 HORSE POWER RETURN FLUE TRACTION ENGINE. 


SEMI-PORTABLE ENGINES. 
FACTORY ENGINES. 

ELEVATOR ENGINES. 


GRIST MILL ENGINES. 

SAW MILL ENGINES. 
TRACTION ENGINES. 


WHAT FARMERS SAY: TF| M ■ ■ "TPI I M 

The Agitator is Thresher King. 

ALSO MANUFACTURERS OF 

Tread Powers, Saw Frames, Saw Mills and Derricks. 

SEND FOR CATALOGUE. 






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pC6) ]^^l^t}5Poipt5., ~.,«,^ O.W. Ru^^Ies. Gen'rPasVr sTi^’t A^t. 


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N investment 


H 

m ^ ' Sf]Ould never be made without first carefully 

reading the contract you are to receive for your money, th|e final 
adjustment of wf]id] DEATH rr[ay preveqt YOUR leaving 
anything to do with. 



<rNEw 


RICHARD A. MCCURDY, PRESIDHNT, 

WITH CASH ASSETS OF $118,000,000.00, 

Is not only willing but anxious to place their contract in your hands for 
inspection and comparison with others before asking you to invest with them. 
Over Eight Thousand Residents of this State, with claims amounting to over $24,000,000, 
attest the popularity of th-e Company and its present perfect contract. 


FERGUSON & WINSTON, 


General Agents for Illinois, 

73 Dearborn Street, Chicago. 


N. B.— Any person over nineteen years of aee, residing: in Illinois, who will send us their date of birth for an investment 

proposition will receive a copy of this book FHEE OF CHAKGF. 




WRITE 


MILLER 

REAL ESTATE 

COMPANY. 


} 

I 

I 



IOWA. 




JAMES G; MILLER, Manager, 

507Vi Fourth St., Sioux City. 


PACKINGTOWN 


0?I3:E 


NORTHWEST. 






SIOUX CITY, IOWA, 


DIALERS IN 

CHOICE 

FARMING 

LAN I 

In W6$Urn Iowa and Eastern Nebraska 

Agents for the Iowa Railroad Land Compa 
We have a large list of desirable busine 
residence property in Sioux City for sale at rt 
ble prices. Correspondence solicited. 



Visit of UNif(o^fAf^s TO -Th^ (bf^N . Oc-rooe^i^ i557. 


SIOUX CITY, IOWA, 


Real Estate 

Our choicest vacant Basiness Lots $275 to $376 
iT front foot. 

Desirable Bnsiness Lots for $150 to $176 per front 
lot, which will be worth $300 per front foot within 
t’o years. 

Elegant residence lots six to ten blocks from 
>8t-offlce and bnsiness center, for $50 to $70 per 
ont foot. 

Acre property in tracts to suit, now ready for 
at ting, for $17.5 to $.300 per atcre. 

Address 

BROS., 

.520 Fourth St.. Sioux Citv. la. 


7.000 PEOPLE - - 1880 

35.000 PEOPLE • • 1888 



Jas. E. Booge & So 


•ecure d Tt, ree new Porl^ and 
Beef Pacf^in^ Houses 1 88V, 

mal^inp capacity of all : 




- DAILY. 


DAILY. 


REAL ESTATE 

ANDGRAI 


We handle our own property exclusively 
are able to make terms to suit purchasers. 
Oppice: 410 Pierce Street, 

SIOUX CITY, IOWA. 






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